The first candidate for one of two school board positions in Tallahatchie County up for grabs this fall has filed qualifying papers, according to documents on file Tuesday at the circuit clerk’s office in Charleston.
Audra Denise Brown, aka “Temp,” 57, of 1217 Teasdale Road, Charleston, filed paperwork, including petition forms, on Monday. She will be seeking reelection in Education District 6, a seat on the East Tallahatchie School District Board of Trustees, where she presently serves as board secretary.
Others have shown interest, also picking up required qualifying forms, but had not returned them as of Tuesday.
July 21 was the opening of the qualifying window for school board. The qualifying deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20. The election will be Nov. 3.
Members of the East and West Tallahatchie school districts’ five-member boards of trustees serve staggered five-year terms, with one seat in each district coming up for election every fall.
In addition to Education District 6, this year’s election will also feature Education District 1, a seat on the West Tallahatchie school board currently held by Lucinda Berryhill.
According to Mississippi State University Extension, school boards have authority to regulate the school district’s affairs, property and finances that are not subject to state law. They are responsible for curriculum, personnel, buildings and district policies, among other duties.
There is no qualifying fee for school board, but candidates must file a Qualifying Statement of Intent and submit a petition with the signatures of 50 registered voters who are residents of their respective education district.
Forms are available from the circuit clerk’s offices in Charleston (662-647-8758) and Sumner (662-375-8515).
