HUNTINGTON BEACH : Filing Extended for School Board Seat

The Huntington Beach Union High School District board, which had been scheduled to appoint a new member by the end of the month, has extended its application deadline because of lack of response.

The district, which had planned to end its nomination period Wednesday, will continue accepting applications to fill the board vacancy until 4:30 p.m. Jan. 23, spokeswoman Carole Thomas said.

Trustees are now expected to appoint a new member at their Feb. 12 meeting.

The five-member board has had an empty seat since last month, when last year’s president, Linda Moulton-Patterson, resigned after being elected to the Huntington Beach City Council.

Trustees in the financially strapped district chose to appoint a new colleague rather than call for a special election, which officials estimate would cost at least $70,000.

Thomas said the filing deadline is being postponed two weeks because the district to date has received only five applications.

When Trustee Bonnie Bruce was appointed to the board last summer, she was chosen from 16 applicants.

The new trustee will face reelection this November, when Moulton-Patterson’s term is scheduled to expire.

Any registered voter living within the district may apply for the position. Applications may be obtained at the district offices at 10251 Yorktown Ave., or by calling Thomas at (714) 964-3339, Ext. 4200.