Vern Newby is giving up his seat on the dais at the Midtown Center. After 21 consecutive years on the Coeur d'Alene school board, Newby will resign from the Zone 2 trustee position at the end of June. "This decision wasn't based on the economic times or a particular issue that's haunting the board right now, but on a commitment I made to my wife three years ago," Newby said. Before he entered and won the last election, Newby said he and his wife, Kristine, decided this would be his final three-year term. He wouldn't seek re-election in 2010. The passage of election consolidation legislation in 2009 added a year to Newby's term extending it to 2011. But he's keeping his word to his wife/Maureen Dolan, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

Question: How many members of your local school board can you name? Do you pay attention to the school board at any time other than when there's a controversy?