TWIN LAKES — Kurt Andersen, a special education teacher at Trevor School, will challenge Lakewood School Board president Steve Dunn in the April 6 recall election.

The recall election was called by the district after petitioners, who claim Dunn is micro-managing the rural K-8 school, collected enough signatures to force the vote. The deadline to file nomination papers in the recall election was 5 p.m. Tuesday.

“I am concerned about the situation and about the education of the students,” Andersen said. “I know things aren’t perfect, and I’m just trying to help out.”

The election is to fill Dunn’s unexpired term until next spring, not the position of board president. It is the Board of Education that chooses a school board president..

School Board incumbents Patricia Platts and Barb Chapman are also up for election and are being challenged by Carey Kuhlmey.

One of the most immediate goals of the board will be to find a replacement for Administrator Rebecca Vail, who has taken a position with the state Department of Public Instruction.

“I think having a different person on the board might make a difference,” Andersen said. “Hiring a new district administrator is a top priority. That is really who should be running the school.”

Dunn said he looks at the recall election as an opportunity to bring light to some of the dire issues facing the district, such as the loss of students through open enrollment and its impact on the financial stability of the district.

“I really welcome a discussion on the issues,” said Dunn. “The next year is going to be the most important and challenging year in the history of Lakewood.”