R-I school board to hold election for three seats

People can start filing to run in the Poplar Bluff R-I school board on Dec. 17.

The election, which will be held the first Tuesday in April, has three seats open. The seats currently are held by President John Scott, board member Jerrod Murphy and board member Alana Robertson.

School board members hold their seats for three years. Board members do not have a term limit for how long they can be on the board.

As part of the board, members are responsible for establishing policies and rules to serve as guidelines for the general management and administrative actions of the district. They help establish goals for the district, collaborate with district administration, monitor the district and superintendent performance, and connect with the community.

The board meets once a month, typically on the third Thursday, although the date can change, to work discuss goals and take action.

Board members are expected to go through training on a variety of topics, which include their responsibilities as a school board member as well as some relating to students and their needs. They are expected to do additional training each year they sit on the board.

Those interested in running for a school board seat will be able to file at the central office in Poplar Bluff between Dec. 17 and Jan. 21 during normal business hours except for on days when the school is closed for the holiday. Those filing need to live within the district’s borders.