CPS holds special session, discusses process to fill board vacancy after Sasser resignation
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Columbia Public Schools held a special session Wednesday afternoon to accept Katherine Sasser's resignation and discuss the process for appointing a board member.
Sasser announced her resignation at Monday night's board meeting.
"My family is directly impacted by the legislation being considered in our state, that takes aim at LGBTQ+ family and students," Sasser said on Monday. "As a family, we have made the difficult, and necessary, decision that Missouri is no longer a safe place for us. We will relocate out-of-state by the start of the next school year."
Board President, Suzette Waters discussed the process for appointing a new board member. Policy BBC states if a board member resigns due to relocation, the board requests the earliest notification of intent to resign, so they can fill the vacant seat. Policy BBE-2 states that if a vacancy occurs on the board, the remaining members should appoint a person as soon as practicable to serve until the next school board election.
Candidates for the vacancy can start applying Thursday.
The application to apply will be on the district's website or, applicants can make an appointment with Noel McDonald to come in and pick up the papers.
Applicants can make an appointment to bring it in or, they can submit it online.
Appointment times are Monday through Friday 8-4 p.m. There will be no appointment times May 29, which is Memorial Day. The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 31.
The board plans to hold an open special session June 7 to interview candidates and appoint a member. The appointed member will be sworn in on June 12.
ABC 17 News reached out to a number of candidates from April’s election.
Former state Rep. Chuck Basye – who finished fourth in the race in April, the top-three won a seat -- told ABC 17 News that he’s waiting to see what bills the Missouri Legislature passes dealing with school boards before deciding. John Potter says he thinks Basye should get the first shot at getting on the board for coming in fourth place in April, but says he would want it if Basye doesn't apply. Chris Horn and James Gordon are each considering a run.
