LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Board members for a natural resources district are considering action on a colleague who wants to remain on the board despite being out of the country until June, teaching in China.

Steve Larrick represents west Lincoln on the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District board. He won a third four-year term in November.

Laws governing the districts say that if a director has more than two consecutive unexcused absences from monthly meetings, the board can declare the seat vacant. The board granted Larrick excused absences for its October and November meetings but not for December and January. If the board at Wednesday’s meeting denies Larrick an excused absence for February, that kicks in the public hearing process required before declaring the seat vacant.