The Beatrice Board of Education on Nov. 10 accepted the immediate resignation of board member Marissa Centeno.

Centeno read a short statement to the board saying, "It is with mixed emotions that I submit my resignation ... effective immediately. Our family's timeline to leave the country has unexpectedly been moved up, and as a result, I am no longer able to fulfill my duties to the board and our district community." She thanked the board and community for the opportunity to serve.

After accepting the resignation, the board discussed how to fill the vacancy. The board president cited Nebraska Revised Statute 32-570, which lets remaining board members appoint a qualified registered voter to serve the remainder of the unexpired term in districts that do not nominate candidates at a primary and elect members at the next general election. The president noted the appointment could cover roughly three years remaining on the term.

Board member Doris moved that the board "discuss, consider, and take necessary action on asking Lisa Pieper and Janet Byers as former board members if either of them is interested in filling the vacancy." The amendment to the motion was seconded and approved. The board agreed Doris would contact Pieper and Byers and report back; if neither is interested, the board will solicit other nominees before the next meeting.

The board recorded the motion to accept Centeno's resignation and the subsequent motion on the appointment process; both motions passed by voice vote.

Next steps: Doris will contact the two former board members in the coming weeks and bring recommendations to the board at the next regular meeting.