Pollyann Sorcan was removed from the Rock Ridge School Board on Tuesday, citing misconduct that impacted her official duties. 

A special election to fill the remainder of her term can be held between February and November of next year. The term expires in December 2026.

The board voted 5-1 following very little discussion in the nearly 30-minute meeting. Director Brandi Lautigar read the resolution to remove Sorcan that was introduced last month. 

Sorcan had 10 days after the Oct. 29 meeting to request a formal hearing over her removal, which could have prompted the district to hire an independent hearing officer to handle matters and report back on their findings, conclusions and decisions. 

The now-former director did not request a hearing, Lautigar noted. 

Director Lisa Westby questioned if Sorcan was given a chance to respond to the resolution, which Director John Uhan said occurred during the October meeting. The resolution noted Sorcan was interviewed by investigating attorney Josh Heggem and had the opportunity to do so with legal counsel.

“I didn’t see that opportunity,” Westby said, and was supported by Director Nicole Culbert Dahl. Westby was the lone vote against removing Sorcan.

The vote ends, for now at least, a tumultuous second stint on the school board for Sorcan, who was a member of the Eveleth-Gilbert and Rock Ridge boards for separate runs totaling around two decades. 

She’s filed lawsuits against both districts — the most recent one was shot down by a judge, but that decision is in appeal — and in September this year was charged with driving while intoxicated. She pleaded guilty to the gross misdemeanor charge hours before the board approved its resolution to begin her removal process.