Board considers canceling special election after candidate withdrawal; schedules special meeting

Board members on Tuesday discussed an unexpected change in a special-election race for an open school-board seat and weighed whether to proceed with an election or appoint the remaining candidate.

The chair informed the board that one of two applicants had dropped out, leaving a single candidate. Trustees discussed two options: reopen the nominating petition period so additional candidates could collect the required signatures, or cancel the special election and appoint the remaining candidate to serve until the next regular election. The chair said delaying the decision increases costs and reduces the time available for new petitioners to gather signatures; he estimated the special election would cost the district approximately $2,500 if it proceeds.

Trustees debated fairness and timing. Some said the board should provide an opportunity for interested community members to present themselves and be considered for appointment; others noted narrow statutory timelines and the logistical difficulty of adding additional candidates with only a few days' notice. The board discussed scheduling interviews at the Dec. 17 meeting if the decision is made to appoint.

Because of the compressed schedule and to avoid election expenses, trustees agreed to hold a special public meeting the following day to decide whether to cancel the special election and appoint the remaining candidate or proceed with the election and open the petition period. The chair said the board can act with three members present and emphasized that the decision must be made in public.