The board faces pressure to act quickly on both fronts. For the 917 intermediate district board — which serves higher-need students across multiple school districts — Kim Baker's departure leaves the Lakeville board without representation. Board members discussed several options, including asking Baker to continue temporarily, inviting a former board member to take the role, or having Baker brief the board on the position's responsibilities at a future meeting.

Board member Tony Reimringer proposed inviting Baker to explain what issues the 917 board typically addresses, helping the board make an informed decision about her replacement. Board Chair emphasized that the ideal candidate should have a passion for special education, given the 917 board's focus on serving students with higher learning needs. The board agreed to gather more information about the role and circulate it before their next meeting, with a decision expected then.

The second vacancy on the Lakeville board itself requires action before newly elected members take office in January. According to Terry Morrow, the state may demand an appointment if the board doesn't make a genuine effort to fill the seat. Board member Matt Swanson suggested appointing the highest vote-getter from November's election who isn't already on the board — a proposal he said he supported previously.

The board decided on a "good faith effort" approach: the Chair and Vice-Chair will contact recent former board members to gauge interest in serving temporarily until the new members are seated. Board members acknowledged that any interim appointment would be brief, lasting only until January when the newly elected board members take their seats. The board will continue discussing both vacancies at upcoming meetings as they work toward filling these positions.