Eight may vie for school board

Eight is enough or Is Eight Enough?

For a tough job with many responsibilities that receives no pay and little thanks, a lot of people are interested in taking a seat on the Granville Board of Education.

The clerk of the board said eight petitions have been picked up to contend for the three board seats that will be decided May 19 as district voters weigh in on the school budget.

Among those picking up petitions are incumbents Dee Bergeron and Kelly Hoard.

Board member Ron Daigle has said he does not intend to run for re-election due to commitments with his burgeoning law practice, providing at least one vacancy on the nine-member body.

Petitions became available March and are due to the clerk of the board Diana Pitts by the close of business, 5 p.m., Monday April 20.

Petitions must have the smaller number between 2 percent of the number of voters who turned out for the last budget vote or 25 signatures.

The signatures must be from qualified voters who reside within the district and have done so for at least 30 days prior.

The entire petition must then be notarized before it is turned in. Pitts said there is no deadline for pick up, but legitimate petitions must be returned by 5 p.m. on the April 20 deadline.

Other residents who have picked up petitions as of April 13 and chose to identify themselves include former board member Molly Biggs-Celani, local veterinarian Dr. John McDermott, and residents Pam O’Brien, Ginny Juckett and Bruce Wheeler.

Pitts said one additional petition had been picked up by someone who chose not to list their name with her.

Residents will vote for three board members as well as the school budget May 19 at Granville Junior Senior High School.

Petitions for the Granville Board of Education can be picked up in the district office, the office is now located at Granville Elementary. Residents will need to go to the main office and sign in before going to the office, which is located in room 4, officials said. Petitions must be signed by eligible voters from within the school district. Candidates seeking a board seat must take in 25 signatures or 2 percent of the number of votes from the last school budget vote, whichever number is less. That petition must be notarized and handed in at the district office by the close of business, 5 p.m., April 20 to get on the ballot. No late petitions will be accepted. The top three voter-getters will win the open seats.