The communities of Frost and Blue Earth, as well as everyone involved with the Blue Earth Area School District, were shocked to learn of the untimely death of BEA School Board member Vickie Hanson.

Hanson, 54, of Frost, died unexpectedly on May 25 from a brain aneurysm. Her full obituary is printed on Page 6 of this issue of the Register.

“Those of us in the Blue Earth Area School District are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Vickie Hanson,” BEA superintendent Evan Gough said in a statement emailed to area news media. “Our thought’s and prayers go out to Vickie’s family during this difficult time.”

Gough also stated that Hanson had dedicated much of her life to the children of the district. She had been a 12-year member of the School Board. “She was an outstanding board member and she wanted to ensure that all of our students were given the opportunity to be excellent,” Gough states. “Vickie was also an integral member of the Blue Earth Area School Foundation. She spent countless hours volunteering for the foundation as the treasurer and organizer for BUC$ Night Out.”

Hanson’s family has requested that any memorials be made to the foundation in her name.

Hanson was last elected to the board in 2010 and her term would be up in 2014.

Since there is less than two years left in her term, the board can appoint someone to fill her position, Gough said.

It is expected that a vacancy on the board will be declared at the June meeting and the board will work to fill the position as quickly as possible.

Gough said this has been hard on many of the people in the BEA District.

“Students, past and present, will continue to be impacted by the work selflessly completed by Vickie,” Gough states.