SCHOOL ELECTION FILING OPENS SOON

Candidates interested in making decisions about public education in their school districts can begin signing up for a chance at the job when election filings open Dec. 19.

Missouri public school districts will hold elections April 3 to fill two three-year terms on their boards. Board of Education candidates may begin filing at 8 a.m. Dec. 19.

School board candidates must be U.S. citizens, at least 24 years old, a Missouri resident and district taxpayer for one year before the election. Candidates must file at their school district's administrative offices before 5 p.m. Jan. 16.

Most area school-district offices will establish special business hours during the Christmas break to allow residents to file their candidacies. Most districts will be closed for the holidays on Dec. 24-25, 31 and Jan. 1. Holiday hours will be posted in local newspapers and at board of education offices.