USD 239 Board of Education Members Tara Chesney and Shonda Meitler both took the Oath of Office on Monday, January 12, 2026. Tara Chesney previously served as the Board’s District 6 Representative but moved into District 4, replacing Brooke Pickrell, who did not seek another term. Shonda Meitler won her seat in District 5. This is Mrs. Meitler’s first term serving on the USD 239 Board of Education.
District 6 did not have a candidate’s name on the ballot. Brad Wine received the highest amount of write-in votes during the November election; however, because he did not live in District 6, the USD 239 Board of Education vacated the seat. According to Kansas State Law, the board is required to vacate the seat, publish a notice seeking applicants, and interview and select a board member who resides in District 6. On January 12, 2026, the USD 239 Board of Education approved the USD 239 Superintendent to publish a notice in the Minneapolis Messenger to invite any registered voter who lives in District 6 to apply for the position. Applications can be found at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/yc6zdj2u. You can also pick up a paper application at the USD 239 Board of Education Office located at 716 E. 7th St., Minneapolis, KS 67467. All applications are due by 12:00 p.m. on February 6, 2025.
Candidate applications will be reviewed by the Board of Education at the next Board Meeting on February 9, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., and interviews will be held during a special board meeting on Wednesday, February 11, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the USD 239 Board of Education Office Conference Room, located at 716 East 7th St., Minneapolis, KS 67467. The selected person will serve a 2-year term or until the next board election in 2028.
The following maps show USD 239's individual member districts. District 6 is on the northeast side of Minneapolis and Ottawa County. If you need help in determining whether you live in District 6, feel free to reach out to the USD 239 Board of Education Office Staff by calling 785-392-2167.
County Map: Showing USD 239 School District
City Map: Showing USD 239 School District