North Idaho College trustees made another leadership change last week — but this one came without fireworks.

They voted 5-0 to switch board chairs, selecting Mike Waggoner to replace Greg McKenzie.

Waggoner, elected in November 2022, is a political ally of McKenzie and trustee Todd Banducci. All three have run with the backing of the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, comprising a majority bloc on an often-divided board of trustees.

But on Nov. 20, the motion for a change came from a trustee who is often at odds with the central committee-backed bloc.

“Board leadership and board governance continues to be a problem,” said trustee Tarie Zimmerman, noting the continuing accreditation questions that plague NIC.

Zimmerman praised Waggoner’s work and preparation on the trustees’ policy committee. “He can grab us all together and develop some consensus.”

Waggoner quickly expressed his interest in the move.

“I think I can add some value here,” he said. “We need unity and collaboration among our board members and the administration.”

McKenzie then voiced his support, saying Waggoner “would make a great chair.”

After the unanimous vote, Waggoner and McKenzie switched spots at the dais.

“Come take a seat,” McKenzie said to Waggoner, to some applause from the audience.

More details on the meeting from KREM TV in Spokane, Wash.