CLEWISTON -- The Hendry County School Board has a new chairperson and vice chair.

The school board voted 5-0 to replace current chairperson, Amanda Nelson, with Jon Basquin and replace vice chair Dwayne Brown with Paul Samerdyke during its regular Nov. 7 board meeting in Clewiston. 

The new positions took effect immediately. 

Basquin's term as board member expires Nov. 22, 2026; Samerdyke's term expires  Nov. 18, 2024. 

In other business, the school board approved the purchase of two Toyota Sienna FWD hybrid eight passenger vans in the amount of  $74,028.

The two  new vans will be used for the transportation of VPK students enrolled at Montura Early Learning Center to and from school. It will provide transportation needed for families that have no means of transportation.

The board approved in a 4-1 vote to approve the 2023 fiscal year internal funds audit undertaken by CliftonLarsenAllen, LLP, which is the district's internal auditor, who audits school internal funds for compliance with the Florida Department of Education's Red Book Chapter 8, and to ensure financial statements are not materially misstated.

The school board originally approved a payment of $45,000 on June 6. 

Board Member Stephanie Busin cast the descenting vote.