Cambridge School Board Appoints Two New Members
Sean Nicholl and Lana Martin will fill vacancies left by recent departures from the board.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People
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The Cambridge School Board has appointed Sean Nicholl and Lana Martin to fill two vacant seats following the departure of former members. The selections were made after a voting process involving six applicants.
Why it matters
These appointments restore the board to full capacity after the September 2026 resignations of Jim Womble and Annie LaValley. Filling these vacancies ensures local representation in district decision-making until the next term ends.
The board interviewed six applicants for the two open positions. Appointments were secured by receiving three votes from the five remaining board members.
The players
Sean Nicholl
An appointee to the Cambridge School Board who holds a Master of Business Administration degree.
Lana Martin
An appointee to the Cambridge School Board who holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and human resources management.
Jim Womble
A former school board member who resigned in September 2026 due to a relocation outside the district.
Annie LaValley
A former school board member who resigned in September 2026 due to a relocation outside the district.
The details
Candidates were vetted through a voting process that required four rounds for the first seat and one round for the second. Both appointees bring professional backgrounds in business, with Nicholl holding an MBA and Martin holding a Bachelor of Science in business administration and human resources management.
Timeline
September 2026: Jim Womble and Annie LaValley resigned from the school board.
October 26, 2026: The board voted to appoint Sean Nicholl and Lana Martin.
Before November 9, 2026: The new members will take their oaths of office.
November 9, 2026: Appointees are scheduled to attend a committee of the whole meeting.
April 2027: The interim terms for Nicholl and Martin will conclude.
Market Landscape
The board's action follows the formal guidelines established for managing mid-term vacancies in local government. This appointment process ensures continuity of governance in accordance with the Wisconsin school district vacancy appointment process.
Residents can expect the school board to return to full operational capacity during the upcoming committee meeting. This stability ensures that the board remains fully staffed to manage district matters through April 2027.
The takeaway
The appointment of new board members provides the district with stable leadership following the resignation of previous officials. Residents should monitor upcoming committee meetings to engage with the restored board's agenda.
What happens next
The appointees are expected to take their oaths of office before November 9, 2026, and will attend the committee of the whole meeting on that date.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership developments in the area at Cambridge People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Jefferson County Union.
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