Board announces resignation of Victoria Panales and opens applications to fill seat

The Dover Board of Education announced at its June meeting that board member Victoria Panales will resign effective July 1 and is seeking applicants to fill the resulting vacancy.

The board asked interested residents of Dover or Victory Gardens to submit a letter of interest and resume to the business administrator no later than July 15. Candidates are asked to attend the July 28 board meeting to briefly introduce themselves; following presentations the board will deliberate in public and appoint a replacement by majority vote to serve through Dec. 31, 2026. Legal counsel noted the statutory deadline to fill the vacancy is 65 days from the date of the vacancy.

Why it matters: Filling a board seat changes the composition of the elected body that sets policy, approves budgets and oversees district administration. The board stressed public notice and invited residents to apply.

What’s next: The board will accept applications through July 15, hear candidate introductions at the July 28 meeting and make an appointment by majority vote; if the board cannot appoint, the county superintendent would act under statute.