At its Nov. 5 organizational meeting at the Jerry Roby facility, the Liberty Elementary District board failed in two separate votes to elect a board president, leaving the board without a formally elected president and prompting legal counsel to advise scheduling the election again on a future agenda.

The first motion, to elect Sarah Schmidt as board president effective Nov. 5, 2025, did not receive a majority. During the roll call, Board member Michael Todd announced he was present and did not cast a yes/no vote; Sarah Schmidt said “Aye,” Board member Zimmerman said “Aye,” and Board member Cerancioni said “Nay.” The chair announced that the motion failed with two yes votes, two no votes and one member present who did not vote.

After the failed nomination, Chris Kenyon volunteered to serve as board president and a motion was made and seconded to elect him to the position. That motion also failed on roll call. Michael Todd again announced “Present,” Sarah Schmidt voted “Nay,” Board member Zimmerman voted “Nay,” and Board member Cerancioni voted “Aye.” The chair announced the second motion likewise failed.

During discussion before the second vote, Board member Cerancioni criticized Kenyon’s past conduct, saying he had “not taken accountability” for prior matters and expressing concern that the board could overstep its role and encroach on administration responsibilities. Kenyon defended his record during the discussion.

Legal counsel Miss Siegel advised the board that, under Policy 1-103 (provided to the board by Dr. Mahorn), the current practice is for the vice president to continue performing the functions of the president until a president is elected. Siegel recommended proceeding with regular meetings, scheduling another vote on a future agenda, and said she was available to consult further. Because the board lacked a president, the related agenda item for electing a vice president (agenda item 1.4) was tabled.

The meeting concluded with the chair noting the organizational meeting’s business was complete and adjourning at approximately 05:38.

Votes at a glance:
• Motion to elect Sarah Schmidt as president (effective 11/05/2025): Result — failed; roll-call excerpts: Michael Todd — Present; Sarah Schmidt — Aye; Board member Zimmerman — Aye; Board member Cerancioni — Nay. Announced tally: 2 yes, 2 no, 1 present.
• Motion to elect Chris Kenyon as president (effective 11/05/2025): Result — failed; roll-call excerpts: Michael Todd — Present; Sarah Schmidt — Nay; Board member Zimmerman — Nay; Board member Cerancioni — Aye. Chair announced the motion failed.

The board did not adopt any new policies or make any appointments at the meeting. Legal counsel recommended placing the presidential election back on a future agenda so the board can attempt to reach a majority vote.