By Jake Fogal

BLOOMINGTON – District 87 has filled a vacancy on it’s school board.

Following Fitzgerald Samedy’s resignation from the board back in mid-Feburary, Regional Superintendent Mark Jontry has listed Cathy Lust as Samedy’s replacement.

Samedy had stepped down from the school board after being charged with a repeat drunken driving conviction.

Jontry selected Lust out of four eligible applicants who submitted letters of interest to the District 87 board.

“A unique set of circumstances that included the effective date of the resignation, combined with the fact that the final election totals from the April 4 school board election would not be certified prior to the end of the school board’s 60-day statutory window to appoint a replacement, essentially handcuffed the board’s ability to consider all of the applicants for the seat without possibly having to repeat the process,” said Jontry.

“Dr. David Mouser, Bloomington District 87 Superintendent, reached out to me when this issue became apparent and advised that district counsel recommended that the board not appoint and have the Regional Superintendent make the appointment as outlined in School Code.”

Lust’s appointment is effective immediately according to the release.

Jake Fogal can be reached at [email protected].