Brumley takes reins of Coeur d'Alene School Board

Four-and-a-half years is quite some time to be in charge.

As chairman of the Coeur d'Alene School Board, Casey Morrisroe's tenure included a comprehensive district audit, the process and implementation of school boundary changes, the coronavirus pandemic and much more.

"I've enjoyed my last four-and-a-half years serving as chair of this board and I've enjoyed your guys' support in doing so, but I recognize that I need a break from that obligation," Morrisroe said. "I think it would be healthy for the board for us to look for someone else."

During the board's annual meeting and first meeting of the year, held virtually on Monday, Morrisroe removed his name from consideration and moved to elect Jennifer Brumley, who was unanimously voted into the chair position. She had served as the vice chair since Jan. 2020.

"My motivation for taking the position is to continue to serve in the capacity that my fellow board members think is the best use of our joint resources," Brumley told The Press.

"I do not have any separate agenda or desires that would be realized as the chair. I do not think I bring anything new to the chair position that I didn't offer the school district as a board member," she said. "I have simply been given the honor of running our meetings and being a spokesperson when needed. I feel very fortunate for the opportunity and thank my fellow board members for their confidence in me to take on this new role."

Brumley, who represents Zone 4, was first appointed to the school board in 2018 to fill the position vacated by former Trustee Dave Eubanks. Her term expires in December.

Brumley is a longtime Coeur d’Alene resident and a graduate of Coeur d'Alene High. She went to the University of Idaho for undergraduate education and a degree in law. She previously served on the school district’s long-range planning committee.

"I'm sure all the board members would agree that you lifted a heavy load for several years, and continuing on as chair with a lot of big issues and some heavy lifting," she said to Morrisroe as he handed over the "electronic gavel." "Thank you so, so much for your role as chair and leading this board over the last few years."

Trustee Tambra Pickford echoed Brumley's gratitude for Morrisroe's stability, service and dedication to the school district. She then moved to elect Rebecca Smith as board vice chair, a motion seconded by Trustee Lisa May. Smith was unanimously voted into the position.

The board first voted to appoint Smith in October 2019 to fill the vacancy for the Zone 5 seat following the resignation of Trustee Tom Hearn that September. She has been a Coeur d'Alene resident since 1998 and has more than 20 years of leadership experience in youth camping and program development, retreat and event planning and outdoor education. She is a graduate of Western Washington University. Smith's board term expires in December.

Representing Zone 2, Morrisroe was elected to the board in May 2015 and has served as chairman since July 2016. He is also a CHS grad and served on the district’s long-range planning committee, as well. He was re-elected to the board to serve four more years in 2019.

Katie Ebner was once again elected to serve as treasurer, Lynn Towne was again elected as board clerk and custodian as public records and Pamela Westberg will serve as board clerk in Towne's absence.

The board also voted to continue holding regular meetings at 5 p.m. on the first Monday of the month, unless otherwise posted. The third Monday of the month will be set aside for forums, workshops and special meetings as needed.