The resignation of Dexter Louie shortly after his re-election to the Moraga School Board in November left a vacant seat at the table. On Dec. 11 the board decided to select a provisional appointee to serve until voters return to the polls in November 2014. The deadline for interested residents to apply for the seat was noon today. The selection process will be held during an open board meeting the evening of Dec. 20.
A few residents asked the board to appoint Parker Colvin, who was one of the candidates for a seat in November. Superintendent Bruce Burns said that the district could not have simply decided to appoint Colvin because the Education Code establishes procedures that must be followed when a resignation occurs. The county superintendent or the board can call a special election, or the board can develop a process to make a provisional appointment.
At tomorrow night's meeting, applicants will be asked to give two-minute statements introducing themselves and suggesting strategies to address the important issues facing the Moraga School District. The Board will ask applicants a set of prepared questions and they will have two minutes to answer each question. The board president will then ask for nominations of candidates and the board will vote. If a candidate receives a majority of votes he or she will be immediately sworn in.
If a clear majority cannot be found, the board can call an additional meeting and request a forum of finalists at a subsequent meeting. In the event a majority of the board still can't agree on an applicant, the board may call for an election.
The Education Code also provides for the community to petition the board's appointment if it doesn't agree with the appointment. If enough signatures of registered voters are collected and approved by the county superintendent, the appointment is ended and an election is called.
A few residents asked the board to appoint Parker Colvin, who was one of the candidates for a seat in November. Superintendent Bruce Burns said that the district could not have simply decided to appoint Colvin because the Education Code establishes procedures that must be followed when a resignation occurs. The county superintendent or the board can call a special election, or the board can develop a process to make a provisional appointment.
At tomorrow night's meeting, applicants will be asked to give two-minute statements introducing themselves and suggesting strategies to address the important issues facing the Moraga School District. The Board will ask applicants a set of prepared questions and they will have two minutes to answer each question. The board president will then ask for nominations of candidates and the board will vote. If a candidate receives a majority of votes he or she will be immediately sworn in.
If a clear majority cannot be found, the board can call an additional meeting and request a forum of finalists at a subsequent meeting. In the event a majority of the board still can't agree on an applicant, the board may call for an election.
The Education Code also provides for the community to petition the board's appointment if it doesn't agree with the appointment. If enough signatures of registered voters are collected and approved by the county superintendent, the appointment is ended and an election is called.
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA