Board weighs options to fill vacant seat after Gilpatrick resignation

Board President Christine opened a discussion on how to fill the vacant Board of Education seat created by Carl Gilpatrick’s resignation, reminding members the seat runs only until the next annual election and laying out three options: appointment, special election within 90 days, or leaving the seat vacant. Christine said the term in question is one year, which shapes how members recommended proceeding.

Margaret Quinn recommended against a special election because of the cost and short duration, saying a special election made little sense for a one‑year term. Jim also opposed a special election in this case, noting the winner of a special election normally fills the remainder of a term and that an appointment would still require a spring election if the seat extends beyond that timeframe. Jim added the board could solicit applications and conduct interviews as a fair and practical approach. "If it's not filled for 90 days, the BOCES superintendent can appoint somebody," Jim said, describing the legal fallback. The president asked members to be prepared to decide a path forward at next month’s meeting or during the planned board retreat.