Board members are officials of the state. As a public official, each board member must pledge to uphold the Iowa and the United States Constitution and carry out the responsibilities of the office to the best of the board member's ability.
The election of citizens to the Board of Directors takes place on the second Tuesday in November of odd-numbered years. Each school election is used to elect citizens to the board to maintain a five (5) member board and to address questions that are submitted to the voters. Citizens of the school district community seeking a seat on the Board must file their nomination papers with the Board secretary consistent with the deadlines provided in Iowa law. If a vacancy occurs on the Board, it may be filled by an appointment consistent with Iowa law. If the board chooses to appoint, the Board Secretary shall post notice of the board’s intent to fill the vacancy by appointment in the district newspaper of general circulation. The notice must state that the electors of the school district have the right to file a petition requiring that the vacancy be filled by special election. The board may appoint to fill the vacancy after the notice is published or after the vacancy occurs, whichever is later. The newly-appointed board member will hold the position until the next scheduled school election. However, if the next regular school election is within 180 days or less, then an appointment to fill the vacancy until the next regular school election may be made. If the board does not fill the vacancy by appointment, or if a valid petition is filed within 14 days of notice, the Board secretary will call for a special election to fill the vacancy. Candidates for a seat created by a vacancy must file their nomination papers with the Board secretary consistent with the deadlines provided in Iowa law. All elections will be held as provided in Iowa law. It is the responsibility of the county commissioner of elections to conduct school elections.
Each newly-elected board member will take the oath of office prior to any action taken as a school official. The oath of office is taken by each new board member elected at the school election at or before the organizational meeting of the board. In the event of an appointment or special election to fill a vacancy, the new board member will take the oath of office within ten days of the appointment or election.
Approved: 06/08/2015 Reviewed: 1/24/2022 Revised: 1/8/2018
