FROM THE DESK OF: Laura Myrah, Superintendent
Greetings Arrowhead Community,
With spring elections coming up on April 5, I have been fielding many questions on a few school board-related topics. Below are those questions and answers so everyone is privy to the same information.
Question: Why are there five school board seats up for election rather than three seats?
Answer: Typically, three of Arrowhead’s nine school board seats are up for election each year, each for a three-year term. However, on April 5, the three seats in the normal election cycle are up for election (Hartland-Lakeside, North Lake, and Richmond representative seats), and a two-year term seat (Swallow) and a one-year term seat (at-large). These shortened-term seats are up for election because two school board members resigned/retired last winter/spring. At that time and in accordance with state law, the school board appointed temporary board members until the next election. Now, the remainder of each seat’s three-year term will be filled through the electorate’s April 5 vote.
Question: Can I only vote for the school board seat that represents the K-8 school district wherein I reside?
Answer: No. All qualified voters within Arrowhead’s entire 68 square mile residency area may vote for all Arrowhead school board seats; all five open seats (two candidates for each) will appear on your election ballot.
All nine Arrowhead board members make policy decisions with all Arrowhead students in mind, therefore all community members can vote for all seats up for election. The reason why our school board includes two at-large seats and one “representative seat” from each K-8 school district is simply to ensure that all nine school board members don’t happen to reside in the same K-8 district region within our boundaries. Also keep in mind, each K-8 school district has its own school board. Consequently, in addition to all Arrowhead school board vacancies, you will be able to vote for any vacancies on the school board of the K-8 district within whose boundaries you reside.
Question: Where can I find information about each candidate for the Arrowhead School Board?
Answer: School districts must remain neutral regarding school board elections; no school resources may be spent on campaigning for any candidates. Therefore, Arrowhead’s web page titled “Candidates for School Board Election'' only notes the candidate’s names and does not include biographical information. To learn information about each candidate, you will need to find other sources such as social media pages, local newspaper articles, etc.
In closing, go out and vote, and also go out to enjoy the spring weather that is surely just around the corner, right!?!
Kind regards,
Laura Myrah, Superintendent