IRVINE : Vacant School Board Seat to Be Discussed

The Irvine Unified School District Board of Education is expected to decide tonight whether to call a special election or appoint someone to fill a vacant seat on the panel.

Margie Wakeham, school board president, favors making an appointment to fill the year remaining on the term of Greg Smith, who officially resigned from the board this week to take a seat on the Irvine City Council.

Holding a special election would cost the district from $80,000 to $125,000. Wakeham and others argued that the money would be better spent on educational programs.

If the board decided to make an appointment, it would also have to agree on an application and interview procedure for candidates. The selection of a new member would occur at a future meeting.

If the board opts for an election, it would occur sometime next year. Petitioners can also force an election if they collect 900 signatures, which would represent 1.5% of Irvine’s registered voters.

Wakeham said that holding a special election would be a waste of money, especially considering the tough economic times facing the school district.

Smith was elected to the City Council last month.