A familiar face soon will replace Larry McIntosh on the Lindbergh Board of Education.

Vic Lenz, who retired last year as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for the school district, will join the school board in April.

McIntosh, current board president, will step down from the board after six years of service. That decision opened the spot for Lenz.

Just two candidates filed for two seats on the board by the Jan. 20 deadline for the April 6 election.

Under state legislation adopted last year, the district will not be required to conduct an election because the race is uncontested. Under the new law, if the same number of candidates file as there are vacancies, no election is necessary.

As a result, Lenz automatically will serve and incumbent Robert Bader retains his seat. Both will be sworn in April 13.

Superintendent Jim Sandfort told the Call he is excited that Lenz will return to the district.

“I think it’s going to be wonderful for the school district,” Sandfort said. “He knows the community well, he knows what needs to be done, and he knows how to work with the staff.”

Lenz will replace McIntosh, a highly respected board member and community leader.

“Larry has done a wonderful job of providing leadership,” the superintendent said. “He has spent hundreds of hours working on one project or another.”

The district will save about $15,000 by not having to conduct an election.

Lenz served for six years on the St. Lucas Preschool board, holding the offices of president and vice president. A 1960 Lindbergh High graduate, Lenz holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Methodist College, a master’s degree from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and a doctorate degree from St. Louis University.

When he retired June 30, he ended a 39-year career in education that included 37 years of service in the Lindbergh School District.

During his tenure at Lindbergh, Lenz had worn many hats, including teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent. He served as assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction from 1988 until his retirement.

Lenz’s wife, Sharyn, is a retired secretary from Lindbergh High School.

Lenz, who has lived in the area since 1949, hopes to help the district maintain its Distinction in Performance designation, meet requirements of the No Child Left Behind act and address the budgetary concerns of the district.

He also wants to help maintain a balance of programs at all levels to provide for the instructional needs of all students.

Board members will select a new president during the April 13 meeting.