The Austin Public School Board began the process of replacing ousted member Curt Rude Monday.

Board chairman Richard Lees and board members Don Fox and Jeff Kritzer have formed a committee to develop a plan to appoint a seventh board member.

Rude, who was voted off the board in March for a conflict of interest, could not be replaced until a two-month right of appeal period expired, superintendent David Krenz said.

A board appointee will serve the remainder of Rude’s term, which expires at the end of 2011.

In March, the board removed Rude, arguing that his lawsuit against the district and former superintendent Candace Raskin infringed on his capacity to serve.

Rude’s suit claims the board is responsible for alleged defamatory acts of Raskin dating back to 2007.

A Mower County judge is expected in June to decide whether the case has legal merit to continue.