Ryals Resigns from School Board

Council School District Board Chair Steve Ryals resigned on February 23. Ryals was appointed to his position when a previous board member resigned about two years ago.

According to his resignation letter, Ryals stated that “I have come to the realization that I just don’t have the energy or drive that is needed to continue doing this job. Recent quarrels with the administration, new board members, and recent incidents in the community have made me realize that it is time.”

Bob Grossen’s resignation was accepted at the board’s meeting on February 11. These two resignations leave vacancies that the board will be seeking to fill. The notification to fill Grossen’s former seat is printed with the legal notices in this issue. Grossen served in Zone 5 and Ryals served in Zone 1. Zone 5 includes portions of Council and the Mesa area. Zone 1 includes areas north of Council and Fruitvale. You can view a map of the district and zones on the county website at https://www.co.adams.id.us/department/clerk-auditor-recorder/election-information

Lynn Mendenhall is the remaining board member with the most experience. Mendenhall was appointed to his seat in early 2025 after another board member resigned. Mendenhall was elected to his seat in November 2025 and was sworn in last month. Jen Hamaker was appointed to her seat on the board in August of last year when Julie Pate resigned and also was elected in November 2025. (Neither Hamaker or Mendenhall had opponents in their races) Chloe Lucas was recently elected to her seat and was also sworn in last month.

I am not aware of a local elected body with more turnover than this board leading the Council School District.

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