Torkelson elected K-M board chair

On a 4-3 vote Mark Torkelson defeated Kate Ryan as the new Kasson-Mantorville School Board chair, during the board’s organizational meeting.

Torkelson will be replacing Kent Harfmann, who decided against running for re-election this November.

“I am honored to have this opportunity and look forward to serving the community in my new role as board chair,” Torkelson wrote in a prepared statement through a spokesperson.

Voting for Torkelson, aside from himself, were newly elected board members Aaron Stockard, Eric Mesa, and Patrick Madery.

Aside from Ryan, she received votes from Elizabeth Armstrong, and Amy Olson, with Armstrong being elected in November, and Olson winning her re-election bid.

Also during the organizational meeting, Ryan was elected as clerk on a 4-3 vote, and Madery was made treasurer, without any competition.

At the meeting, the school board also set its salary, with all board members, including board chair, set to be paid at $1,000 per year.