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

The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District board on Wednesday voted against excusing Steve Larrick’s absence from the meeting.

Larrick represents west Lincoln on the board. He’s asked his colleagues on the board to excuse his absences until June. But state law doesn’t allow the board to grant a sabbatical or extended leave.

If a director has more than two consecutive unexcused absences from monthly meetings, a board can, after a public hearing, declare the seat vacant.