Thursday, July 30, 2009
Interested residents have just over a week to file an application for the job.
By Harold Gwin
YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown Board of Education expects to have a new member on board Aug. 11 to replace Shelley Murray, who resigned Tuesday.
Anthony Catale, board president, said the board is accepting letters of interest and applications for the post now until 3 p.m. Aug. 7.
The plan, he said, is to review those applications during a special board meeting Aug. 7 and then interview top candidates during the board’s regular caucus session at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 11. An appointment will be made during the regular meeting immediately after the caucus, he said.
Based on Ohio state law and the timing of the resignation, the appointment will be for the entire 21‚Ñ2 years remaining in Murray’s unexpired term, Catale said. Whoever is appointed won’t have to run for election during that time period, he said.
Murray made the surprise announcement about her decision to step down at the end of Tuesday’s regular board meeting, saying that her family priorities have changed since her husband’s return six months ago from a one-year military tour in Iraq.
She said it has been an honor and a privilege to serve the district and its children.
She served one complete term and nearly half of a second, giving her 51‚Ñ2 years on the board.
The board accepted her resignation and passed a resolution thanking her for her service to the district.
Catale said any city resident interested in completing her term can pick up an application at the board office at 20 W. Wood St.
The application, along with a cover letter expressing the applicant’s interest in the appointment and goals as a board member, must be returned to the board office by 3 p.m. Aug. 7.
Catale said state law prohibits making an appointment before 10 days after the resignation but requires the appointment be made within 30 days of the resignation.
See also: Board reappoints three to panel for financial advice