Rasmussen appointed to Coeur d'Alene School Board

COEUR d'ALENE — Rick Rasmussen has been appointed to the Coeur d'Alene School Board.

Board members unanimously voted Monday in favor of Rasmussen serving as the interim Zone 1 trustee to fill the vacancy left by former trustee Allie Anderton, who resigned from the board in April following an arrest involving DUI and drug paraphernalia.

"My passion has always been kids and trying to help out," Rasmussen said during the candidate interview portion of Monday's school board meeting.

A lifelong Coeur d'Alene resident and the CEO of Northwest Specialty Hospital, Rasmussen has been active with many local causes and boards for several years. He has been a part of the Coeur d'Alene High School Booster Club since 1989. He is a 1984 Coeur d'Alene High School graduate who attended schools in Coeur d'Alene from first through 12th grades.

"Kindergarten was private back then or I would have had K through 12th," Rasmussen said.

His mom, dad and wife all had extensive teaching careers in the district. His brother still teaches at Coeur d'Alene High.

"There's been a Rasmussen at CHS ever since it opened," he said. "My dad was the first teacher to retire from Lake City High School."

Nick Weber and Amanda Weed were the two other candidates who submitted applications for consideration. Weber was born in Priest Lake and graduated from Priest River High School. Weed is a Lake City High School graduate with a background in education and currently in real estate.

Board Chair Rebecca Smith said Rasmussen's thoughtful perspective, dedication to students and families and business acumen make him a great addition to the board.

"He understands the importance of strong public schools and brings valuable leadership experience that will serve our students, schools and the district well," she said.

Rasmussen will serve through Dec. 31. His interim term will conclude following the November election, when voters will choose a trustee to fill the seat for a four-year term. He is expected to begin his service after he is sworn in at the July 14 regular meeting.

Also during the meeting, the trustees unanimously approved the district's amended 2024-25 budget of $99,182,850 and the proposed 2025-26 budget of $103,447,346 as presented at the June 16 budget hearing. Trustee Jimmy McAndrew made the motion, Vice Chair Lesli Bjerke seconded the motion.

Info: cdaschools.org