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QUINCY, ILL. -- Bud Niekamp will preside over his first regular meeting as president of the Quincy Board of Education on Wednesday, July 15.

Board vice president and immediate past president Tom Dickerson sent the following news release prior to that meeting:

Even though Bud Niekamp has resigned from the county board, the controversy regarding his accepting the oath of office on the school board, while simultaneously serving on the county board continues. This controversy has and will continue to inhibit the board and the administration in addressing the educational needs of our students until the matter is resolved.

It was my belief, based on comments made to me by my fellow board members, that a solution to this problem was achievable. Although Mr. Niekamp resigned from the county board that did not correct the legal problem with his election to the school board, which became void according to a recent appellate court case and in the opinion of the Attorney General. Had Mr. Niekamp resigned the county board before his election to the school board was finalized, he would not be facing these legal issues.

In order to avoid the legal challenge, the solution I had in mind was to suggest Mr. Niekamp resign from the school board immediately, which eliminates his first legal hurdle. Once he resigns, the incompatibility of office issue is remedied. The school board could then appoint him to fill the vacancy created, seating him on the school board legally. This solution would require Bud to stand for election again in two years.

This solution would also: a) assure the 6,000 voters in the district who voted for Bud would continue to have his voice on the board b) the district could move forward without the continued distraction and question regarding the validity of his vote on the board, and c) eliminate the legal basis for the filing of the Quo Warranto by a group of citizens, which appears imminent.

I was optimistic about the possibility of bringing this entire matter to a close, and getting the board's focus back on the education of students. When Mr. Niekamp was advised of the proposal, he refused to talk with me or give any consideration to the remedy outlined. Mr. Niekamp obviously prefers to have this matter settled through a Quo Warranto proceeding in court, led by concerned community citizens.

Tom Dickerson, Vice President
Quincy School Board

KHQA will report on the Quincy school board meeting on KHQA's Late News at 10 p.m. and here at www.connecttristates.com.