Amber Talich takes office as new board member

SIDNEY -- The Sidney School District Board of Education met January 13,  beginning the meeting acknowledging the new board of education member.

Amber Talich took her oath of office, administered by Superintendent Andrew Farber before the board of education. She fills the seat vacated by Kathy Nienheuser when she decided not to seek re-election. 

Following her oath of office, the board approved officers and appointed committees. She said the first meeting had some nervousness, but also she observed a cohesiveness. 

"I was nervous. I won't deny that. In the swearing in, of course, just saying all the words that kind of resonate as you're repeating them; the duties that you'll hold within the office, and so that was pretty, that was pretty humbling. Also, just sitting up top, that was a completely different view. Then, of course all the voting, lots of things to just establish," she said.

Talich said the board and Superintendent Andrew Farber prepared her for her first meeting.

"I think that the board had done a great job in preparing me and Mr. Farber has done a great job in preparing me. The information that provide before the meetings is very thorough in helping you know what you're walking into. So, for the first meeting while I was nervous I also had a chance to prepare, which made a huge difference in being there for my first night," she said.

The board approved the final sale of the North Elementary School building. The building and lots were sold at auction for $24,000 to George Duncan, owner of Southfork Premier Properties of  Meadville, Mo. 

The board voted in April 2024 to close the school. The closure is primarily related to cuts in District funding.