Article Summary: Beecher Community Library Trustee Kathryn Czarnecki submitted her resignation at the board’s June 17 meeting, just one month after being unanimously elected as the board’s secretary. The board accepted the resignation without public discussion.

Library Trustee Resignation Key Points:

• Trustee Kathryn Czarnecki tendered her resignation via a letter presented during the Tuesday night meeting.

• Board President Shirley R. Biery read the letter aloud to the board and the public.

• The board voted unanimously to accept the resignation, effective immediately.

• Czarnecki’s departure creates an unexpected vacancy on the seven-member board, which will now need to be filled.

BEECHER – The Beecher Community Library Board of Trustees is facing an unexpected vacancy following the resignation of Trustee Kathryn Czarnecki during its meeting on Tuesday, June 17.

The announcement came near the end of the meeting when Board President Shirley R. Biery read aloud a resignation letter submitted by Czarnecki. Following the reading, Biery moved to accept the resignation. The motion was seconded by Trustee Douglas Short Jr. and passed unanimously by voice vote.

The minutes of the meeting did not contain the text of the letter or provide any reason for Czarnecki’s sudden departure.

The resignation is particularly unexpected as it comes just one month after Czarnecki was unanimously elected to serve a two-year term as the board’s secretary during its May 20 reorganizational meeting. She had been an active participant earlier in the June meeting, taking part in discussions and votes regarding library finances, staff wages, and the adoption of a new ordinance.

Czarnecki’s exit creates an immediate vacancy on the seven-member board. The remaining trustees—President Biery, Vice-President Lance Saller, Treasurer Sheila Oppenhuis, and trustees Rick Kerber, Douglas Short Jr., and Beverly Wehling—will be responsible for appointing a successor to serve out the remainder of her term. The process and timeline for filling the vacancy were not discussed at the meeting.