Baker resigns from school board, creates vacancy

By Patrick Lynn

Patricia Baker has resigned from the Stevens Point Area Public School Board, effective immediately.

Baker, who was recently appointed by Gov. Tony Evers to Portage Co. Circuit Court Branch III Judge, submitted her letter of resignation to the board on Dec. 31.

“It is bittersweet for me to inform you that I must resign my position,” Baker said, citing state statute 757.02(2), which prohibits her from any other public office while working as an appointed judge.

“It has been an honor to have served our community, our staff, and all the SPAPSD families in this capacity,” she wrote. “I have always believed that we improve our community by improving the education of our next generation.”

Baker has served on the board since 2014.

“She has been a strong advocate for students and education in our community and will be missed on the School Board,” said Superintendent Craig Gerlach in a written statement. “We wish her well on this next new and exciting endeavor.”

Baker’s resignation leaves a vacancy on the nine-member board. In a news release from the district Tuesday afternoon, Communications Director Sarah O’Donnell said the board will review the application process and the timeline for filling the vacancy during its regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 11.