The president and vice president of the Lawrence school board won’t seek re-election in 2005.

President Austin Turney and Vice President Leni Salkind said they would step aside after finishing their second four-year terms on the board.

“I think it’s time,” said Salkind, a former teacher. “I don’t have a problem with having some new blood on the board and letting some other people in the community step up to the plate and participate.”

Turney said he would be 80 years old before his term expired and wanted to tackle postponed personal activities rather than re-enlist on the board.

“I have a lot of other things I have put on the side,” the retired accountant said.

Board member Linda Robinson’s term also expires in 2005, but she hasn’t made a decision about seeking re-election.

The terms of board members Sue Morgan, Cindy Yulich, Rich Minder and Leonard Ortiz run through 2007.

Salkind and Turney have been part of boards that voted to close four elementary schools, reallocate or cut millions of dollars in the district’s budget, hire two superintendents, revamp the elementary curriculum, expand use of classroom computers and update the district’s policy manual.

“I feel like I’ve been able to do a lot of constructive things and worked with people who want their kids to achieve,” Turney said.

USD 479 School Board 2 school incumbents turned out (4-2-2003) More election 2003 information

Both also were part of a majority on the board that failed to gain voter approval in April for a $59 million bond issue for construction and renovation of Lawrence schools.

Turney said he would prefer to develop a revised bond issue before he leaves office in July 2005.

“We hope to have the framework, at least, if not the final vote,” he said.

Salkind and Turney recently endorsed consideration of a half-cent increase in Douglas County’s sales tax to support public education. The 2004 Legislature would need to authorize a countywide vote on a sales tax increase.

Salkind said debate about the district’s financial priorities in recent years served a useful purpose.

“This community understands the school budget issues much better than they ever did,” she said.

However, Salkind said the decisions to lay off teachers and cut funding for cherished school programs had been agonizing for board members. Supt. Randy Weseman has predicted more reductions will be needed to balance the 2004-2005 budget.

Those types of difficulties will deter people from jumping into a campaign for school board in late 2004 or early 2005, Salkind said.

“I don’t think there are a lot of people out there looking to do it,” she said. “Show me a half-dozen who actually would want to run.”

Turney will be board president until July, when Salkind will assume the presidency for one year.