Interest has been shown, but no one has filed qualifying papers for either of the two Tallahatchie County school board seats up for grabs in this year's general election.
“No one has turned in their intent form as of yet,” said Circuit Clerk Daphane Neal late Tuesday.
July 21, was the opening of the qualifying window for school board candidates. 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.
This year’s election will feature Education District 1, a seat on the West Tallahatchie school board currently held by Lucinda Berryhill, and Education District 6, a post on the East Tallahatchie school board presently occupied by Audra “Temp” Brown.
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).
