The Okmulgee Board of Education has extended the deadline for applications to fill the vacant Ward 4 seat on the school board after a special meeting held March 26, failed to produce a majority vote for an appointment.

The vacancy, which arose in February following the resignation of Heather Kimbley, remains unfilled despite the board’s efforts to appoint a replacement. Former board member Rod Wiemer, who previously served the district, submitted an application and was considered during the special meeting. However, his appointment did not receive the necessary support from the current board members.

Board President Leroy Parker and member Vickie Jones voted against Wiemer’s appointment, while Krystal Bohannon abstained. The fourth member, Mike James, was absent from the meeting. Without a majority vote, the board was unable to proceed with the appointment or nominate an alternative.

As a result, the district now faces the possibility of holding a special election to fill the seat if no appointment is made soon. According to Okmulgee County Election Board officials, an off-cycle special election could cost the district a minimum of $6,000 – an expense that could further strain the district’s already tight budget.

In light of this, the Board of Education announced that it is extending the application deadline to Friday, April 4, at 10 a.m. in hopes of attracting more candidates from Ward 4 who are interested in serving their community and helping guide the future of Okmulgee Public Schools.

“We’re looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about education and committed to the success of our students and community,” the district stated in its official release.

To be eligible, applicants must have lived in the district and been a registered voter within the election district boundaries for at least six months prior to the filing period. Additionally, applicants must not have any disqualifying criminal convictions and must hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Full eligibility guidelines are available at www.ossba.org.

The Ward 4 seat plays a vital role in shaping policies, approving budgets and ensuring accountability within the district. Until the vacancy is filled, the board will continue to function with only four active members.

The Board encourages all eligible Ward 4 residents who have a passion for public education and a desire to serve the community to submit their applications before the new deadline.

For more information or to apply, interested individuals should contact the Okmulgee Public Schools administrative offices or visit the district’s website.

– Interested residents of Ward #4 are encouraged to submit their applications and statements of interest. The board is looking for dedicated individuals who are passionate about education and committed to the success of our students and community.

– Eligibility Requirements for Board Candidacy To be eligible to serve as a member of the Board of Education, individuals must meet the following criteria: 1. The individual must have resided in the district for six months preceding the first day of the filing period and must be a registered voter within the county election board at an address located within the geographical boundaries of the election district for six months prior to the filing period. (26 O.S. § 13A-106) 2. The individual must not have been convicted of, nor have pled guilty or no contest to, a felony under state or federal law, or a misdemeanor involving embezzlement. Any individual with such a conviction is ineligible to file for the school board position during any pending appeal or for a period of 15 years following the completion of the sentence. (26 O.S. 5-105a) 3. The individual must have been awarded a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalency. (26 O.S. 13A-106) For further eligibility details please visit www.ossba. org.