Three candidates apply for board elections

The first day to file for election to Missouri boards of education attracted three candidates from local school districts Tuesday.

The 2004 election is scheduled for April 6. In Jackson, Cape Girardeau and Scott City, candidates will vie for six vacancies of three-year terms.

Jackson current board president Gerald Adams and Jim Woeltje's terms end in 2004. Both filed for re-election Tuesday morning.

The terms of Mark Carver and Martha Zlokovich expire in Cape Girardeau this year. Zlokovich has announced that she will run for re-election. Carver said he does not plan to file.

In Scott City, the terms of Debbi Miller and Kevin Hillemann expire this year. Miller filed for re-election Tuesday, as well.

Cape Girardeau school officials have planned a special meeting for Jan. 7 to give prospective board members a chance to ask questions and learn more about the responsibilities of the position.

"It's really a basic primer to help them understand the role they would have," said Rob Huff, Cape Girardeau chief financial officer and board secretary.

This is the first year school districts will not be required to hold or pay for an election if a race is not contested. If the same number of candidates file as there are vacancies, no election is necessary under a new state law.

Candidates may file for election at their local school board offices from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Some offices may be closed on certain days during Christmas break. The deadline to file is Jan. 20.

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128