When should school elections be scheduled? Under new state legislation, they many no longer be scheduled in June.
The intent of the new state law is to consolidate all general elections in November, but the option is given for a May election if so determined by a board of education after a public hearing.
The Clarkston Community Schools Board of Education has proposed having their elections in May of each year, and a public hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11 in the cafeteria of North Sashabaw Elementary School.
If the board does not pass a resolution otherwise, state law will dictate an every-other-year election, beginning in November 2005.
When discussed by officials at the Aug. 9 school board meeting, it was revealed the district could save considerable funds by consolidating with a regular general election and/or going to every-other-year elections (the district pays as much as $30,000 annually for elections).
The majority of school officials, however, seemed to believe that the district would be better served by annual, separate elections to maintain a separate focus on education issues and the nonpartisan nature of school board elections.