<div>Winona Area Public Schools (WAPS) announced last week that School Board member Pete Watkins resigned. At the board’s next meeting, members will discuss how to fill the vacancy, such as an appointment process. Voters elected Watkins to represent District One in 2022. In addition to serving on the School Board, Watkins coached the Winhawks boys soccer team in the 2025 and 2020 seasons and was a volunteer assistant in 2024, and he is a parent of WAPS graduates. Watkins previously told the Post he did not plan to run for reelection this fall, as his family would no longer have children in the district. While Watkins was not present at the August 6 School Board meeting, School Board Chair Nancy Denzer said that he asked that the board accept his resignation, effective immediately. The board ultimately voted to do so. Several School Board members expressed their gratitude to Watkins for his time with the district. “… I would like to extend a thank you to Director Watkins for serving the board for the last four years,” Denzer said. Similarly, School Board member Michael Hanratty said, “I just want to thank Director Watkins for all his work not only on [the] School Board but in many areas of the district …” At the August 20 School Board meeting, members will start discussing how to fill the vacancy, as Watkins’ term will technically expire at the end of December, Denzer said. Superintendent Brad Berzinski explained that because there are more than 90 days left in the term, the district needs to fill the vacancy. According to Minnesota School Boards Association guidance, if a vacancy comes up with less than two years left in a term, the board should appoint a replacement rather than hold a special election. The association recommends School Boards decide on a process for that appointment, such as the board nominating someone or taking applications.This fall, Michelle Cochran and Ted Hazelton will be on the ballot for the District One seat. The winner of the election will take office in 2027. Watkins did not respond to requests for comment. When asked if there was any official district statement or reason for the resignation, Berzinski declined to comment, while saying he was thankful for Watkins’ work with the district. </div>

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Winona Area Public Schools (WAPS) announced last week that School Board member Pete Watkins resigned. At the board’s next meeting, members will discuss how to fill the vacancy, such as an appointment process. Voters elected Watkins to represent District One in 2022. In addition to serving on the School...

Winona School Board member resigns

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Winona Area Public Schools (WAPS) announced last week that School Board member Pete Watkins resigned. At the board’s next meeting, members will discuss how

Winona School Board member resigns

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