Jasper Consolidated School Board replaces Backer on Library Board

The Greater Jasper Consolidated School Board met for their regular monthly meeting in the administration building Monday night.

The school board on the recommendation of board member Bernie Vogler seconded by board member Ken Schnaus, voted to appoint Mark Kunkel to the Jasper Library Board. Mary Ellen Backer’s term expired in August of 2011 and she will step down immediately and allow Kunkel to take her place.

Mary Ellen Backer was a strong proponent of the library move to the South Newton location and had stated she doesn’t think the school board would reappoint her to the position due to her position in regards to the failed referendum. (originally reported here)

“I spoke with them (school board) and Nancy Habig (Jasper Consolidated School Board president) stated they would like to appoint a teacher or retired teacher to correlate the school and library programs.” Backer said. “It’s all political. I was for the referendum and there’s a few there that weren’t.”

Board President Nancy Habig thanked Backer for her time on the Library board. “We would just like to thank Mary Ellen, I think she’s done a terrific job on that library board through extremely difficult times,” said Habig. “I really can’t say anything disagreeable about Mary Ellen, she’s a wonderful person and done a great job.”

Kunkel is the general manager of Burger Farms and was a 1978 graduate of Jasper High School. He was also a member of the group that worked to restore the Cabbey O’Neill Gym.

Habig did state the referendum influenced their decision in not reappointing Backer. According to Habig the school board felt Kunkel would do a good job in the position and would help the library board move forward with whatever plans they have.

Jasper School Board appointees to the library board include Kunkel, Board President Bill Hewitt and board member Kent Taylor.

The Library Board has not announced the next step in regards to the Jasper Public Library but is expected to at the February meeting.