Judge directs Boone County clerk to add Basye to Columbia school board ballot
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Boone County Judge Brouck Jacobs on Tuesday ordered the county clerk to add former lawmaker Chuck Basye's name to Columbia's April school board election ballot.
Jacobs's two-page order was posted online late Tuesday afternoon. It directs County Clerk Brianna Lennon to add his name to the list of candidates for school board that must be finalized soon for printing.
The order also dismisses the individual members of the school board from the case.
Jacobs ruled after a hearing Monday that Columbia Public Schools violated Basye's right to add his name to the ballot during the legal filing period that ended Dec. 27. The district didn't let Basye on the ballot because he failed to make an appointment while school was closed for the holiday break.
During an interview after the ruling, Basye told reporters although Jacobs ruled CPS broke the law, he's already at a disadvantage because of the late start.
“I am appreciative of the support and encouragement of so many people throughout Missouri over the last few weeks," Basye said after the ruling. "I thank Judge Jacobs for listening to the arguments from all sides, and I firmly believe the correct decision was made to allow me onto the April ballot for Columbia Public Schools board of education.”
Columbia Public Schools said in a statement Monday that the district follows procedures similar to districts across the state for candidate filing during the winter holiday break.
The state legislature recently changed the filing period dates, creating an issue for districts over winter break, CPS said in the statement. The district said it hopes the legislature will clarify the process this session.
Candidates in local April elections file with the political subdivision in which they're seeking election.
Lennon's office said during a hearing that week that it would abide by the judge's decision.
"I appreciate the expediency of the court and clarity on the filing process," Lennon said after the decision.
Basye will join six other candidates on the ballot seeking three seats.
CPS spokesperson Michelle Baumstark said the district will not appeal the decision.
