(Posted July 15, 2020)
Linda Dillman, Staff Writer
Jefferson Local school board members are in the midst of filling two vacancies—the school board seat formerly held by Jerry Doran, who passed away on June 18, and the district treasurer position.
At the July 13 board meeting, President David Harper said the decision on how to proceed with filling Doran’s seat was put on hold for a few weeks out of respect to Doran’s family. He then announced the open seat and the process to fill it.
“If we appointed somebody before the 10th of August, by state law, they would need an election this November,” Harper reported. “On Aug. 10 or after, (the appointed seat) would roll over to next year.”
The board has opted to wait until the later date. That means the person appointed to the vacant seat will serve out the rest of the term which expires on Dec. 31, 2021. Harper said the board must make the appointment before Aug. 17; otherwise the court system could step in and make a decision.
Individuals interested in applying for the open board seat must be registered voters of the school district. Resumes and applications are due by July 24. They should be sent to: West Jefferson Local Schools, 906 W. Main St., West Jefferson, OH 43162, or via email to board@westjeff.org.
“Then we’ll set up interviews accordingly,” Harper said.
In other action, board members approved a contract with Madison County Public Health for school nursing services for the 2020-21 school year, hired Payton Shays as middle school language arts/English teacher and approved a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) resolution with the village of West Jefferson/West Jefferson I, LLC.
Jackie Fitzpatrick tendered her resignation as middle school cheerleading coach in order to take the varsity cheerleading head coach position at the high school vacated by Melissa Jester. High school assistant cheerleading coach Alexandria Braithwaite resigned her position to take over the head coach position at the middle school.
Kaylee McClaskie resigned as the assistant high school volleyball coach.
