August 01st, 2025

GAPS Board holds 1st meeting with new members
Kris McLaughlin and Stephanie Lunceford

New board member Kris McLaughlin is flanked by Dave Bolin, the district's Executive Director of Operations, and Ryan Mattingly, who was elected Board Chair.

  Kris McLaughln and Stephanie Lunceford were sworn in as school board members during the Greater Albany Public Schools Board meeting July 28 at the school district office. Both were elected in the May 20 Special District Election in which they had the endorsement of the Linn County Democrats.
  Board Vice Chair Ryan Mattingly, who swore in McLaughlin and Lunceford, was elected Board Chair. Brad Wilson, who won a second term on the board, was also sworn in and elected as board Vce Chair.
  McLaughlin spoke up early in the meeting, saying improved communication with the public should be a board goal this year. She suggested that the district explore creating an online newsletter like the city of Albany's "Bridges" publication. 
   "I would just like to see more robust communication as a goal," she said.

New board member Stephanie Lunceford couldn't make it in person to the July 28 meeting, but participated remotely.