The school district has officially received the required number of signatures to call a special election for the vacant Director District 2 seat. The confirmation came from the auditor’s office last Wednesday.
Under state law, the election must take place between 60 and 70 days from the date of the vacancy. The school board will work closely with the auditor’s office to determine the official election date. Superintendent Henriksen talks about the process.
Candidates interested in running must reside in Director District 2 and gather at least 50 signatures to qualify. However, voting for the position will be conducted at-large, meaning all registered voters within the district are eligible to participate.
As per Iowa election code, within ten days of receiving the petition, the board president must call a board meeting. This meeting must take place within 30 days of the petition’s receipt, during which the board will officially set the election date. The next regular board meeting is scheduled for April 14, where a vote to call the election is expected.
The estimated cost of the election is still being determined, as ballots will need to be prepared for voters across four counties—Henry, Lee, Jefferson, and Van Buren. The board is awaiting additional cost details from the auditor’s office.
Further updates will be provided as the process moves forward.