There have been a few nibbles for two school board seats up for grabs in this year’s general election in Tallahatchie County.
Circuit Clerk Daphane Neal said Tuesday that several people have picked up qualifying papers from her office but have not completed and returned them.
July 22 was the first day to sign up for school board, and the qualifying deadline is 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21. The election will be Nov. 4.
Members of the East and West Tallahatchie school dis- tricts’ 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 5, a seat on the West Tallahatchie school board currently held by Cora Hooper, and Education District 10, a post on the East Tallahatchie board occupied by Bryant Watson.
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.
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 within their education district.
Forms are available from the circuit clerk’s offices in Charleston (call 662-647-8758 for details) and in Sumner (662-375-8515).
For more information about the elections and voting, visit the secretary of state's office online.
