The stepping down of a longtime San Carlos school board member has led to an appointment process to fulfill the remainder of her term.
Kathleen Farley will retire from the San Carlos School District Board of Trustees on Sept. 11 after nearly 10 years of service, the district said.
To fill her term ending December 2022, the Board decided to move forward with an appointment process rather than a special election. The Board aimed to avoid the cost of a special election and also the lengthy gap of time such an election would create during which the seat will be vacant.
Board President Carol Elliott recognized Farley for valuing and prioritizing student needs while on the Board.
“Kathleen brought a unique lens to the Board as both a former teacher and someone with a passion for innovation in the world of public education,” Elliott said in a statement, adding, “She is a treasured colleague and I can say with great confidence that our district is undoubtedly stronger because of her contributions.”
The Board is encouraging residents within the San Carlos School District who are passionate about education to consider applying for the vacancy. Potential candidates are invited to attend virtual information sessions on Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. Interested potential candidates should email District Executive Assistant Veronica Rickson at vrickson@scsdk8.org to receive the link to participate. Required Candidate Information Sheets can also be provided by Rickson and must be filled out and submitted no later than Sept. 21. Interviews will take place in public during a special board meeting on Oct. 1, the district said.
Eligible candidates must be at least 18 years old, a resident within the school district boundaries, a registered voter and cannot be a district employee or disqualified from civil office by the Constitution or state law.
Letters of support for candidates or thoughts on what qualities the candidate should possess can be emailed directly to the Board at board@scsdk8.org.
Visit www.scsdk8.org for more information about the process.
Headline photo, from left to right, Wendy Dougherty, Eirene Chen, President Carol Elliott, Kathleen Farley, Neil Layton (Courtesy of San Carlos School District).
