Local school board filing underway; last day to file is Dec. 27

Filing for available positions on local school boards is underway as some races are beginning to form for the April election.

Filing for the April 4, 2023, election officially began Dec. 6, but those wanting to run for office have until 5 p.m. Dec. 27 to file. For local school districts, filing takes place in a district’s board of education/central office during regular hours. However, many school district offices will be closed for the Christmas holiday and will only be open for filing Dec. 27.

In the Sikeston R-6 School District, three-year terms held by Aaron Boyce, Ben Alcorn and Chad Bles will end in April. Filing so far are Alcorn, Katie Merideth and Chris Hodgkiss. Those interested in filing for the Sikeston R-6 school board election can file at the district’s Administration Office, 1002 Virginia St., in Sikeston. The office will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 19-22 and Dec. 27. The office will be closed for the Christmas holiday on Dec. 23 and 26.

Scott County Central school board members whose three-year terms expire in April are Robert Cook, Tracy Foster and Paul Johnson. As of early Friday, the only candidate to file so far is Foster. Filing ends at 5 p.m. Dec. 27.

A race is already forming in the Scott County R-4 “Kelly” School District. Board members whose three year terms end in April are David Brashear, Todd Hall and Kellie Bridges. Filing so far are Brashear, Sandy Ruff, Hall, John-Erik Jenkins and Robby Lemonds. The district office will be open until 5 p.m. Dec. 27, which is the last day to file.

East Prairie R-2 School District also has a race forming for its Board of Education election. Incumbents are Steven Douglas, Dave Dahlbeck and Claire Poley. As of early Friday, candidates filing for the three positions include Dwight White, Brandon Heath, Tim Wagner, Terry McLain, John Wayne Davis, John Arington, Charles Wayne Thurman and Jacob Tripp. Those interested in running for East Prairie R-2 school board can file from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 27.

The Charleston R-1 School District’s three board members whose three-year terms expire in April are Angie Duenne, Preston Moore and Matthew Morrow. As of early Friday, all three incumbents have filed for candidacy. Due to the Christmas break, the last time period to file is from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 27.

Those interested in seeking one of the three-year terms on the New Madrid County R-1 School Board can file for office with Lisa Broyles, secretary to the superintendent, from 3 p.m. until the closing of filing at 5 p.m. Dec. 27 at the Board Office at New Madrid County Central High School. The terms of office of Danny Parker, John Palmer and Kay Rebstock are expiring. The list of individuals who’ve filed for candidacy was unavailable on Friday.

Portageville Board of Education members whose three terms end in April are Patty Johnson, Mark Moody and Jarrett Warren. As of early Friday, filing so far are Johnson, Moody and Matt Brasher. Due to Christmas break, the last time period to file is 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 27.

According to the Missouri School Boards’ Association, qualifications for a school board member include: must be a U.S. citizen; a resident taxpayer of the district or voters of the district in urban districts; a resident of Missouri for at least one year; and at least 24 years old.

Candidates must also be current on state and local taxes; have not been found guilty of or pled guilty to a felony under Missouri or federal law; are not registered or required to register as a sex offender; and have filed required campaign documents for all previous campaigns, if any.

Board members are expected to be present and actively participate in school board meetings, according to MSBA. Some school boards regularly meet once a month, but others meet more often. In some districts, school board members are also expected to serve on committees and attend district events. If elected, board members must complete 18.5 hours of orientation and training within one year of the date of the election or appointment. Board members must complete at least one hour of refresher training each year thereafter.