Individuals interested in running for a seat on the Oxford Schools’ Board of Education can now “buy” their way onto the ballot.
A new revision to Public Act 431 allows candidates to pay a $100 nonrefundable filing fee to the Secretary of the Board of Education instead of filing a petition with elector signatures.
For those still interested in using the traditional method, candidates can take out a nominating petition, gather a minimum of 40 signatures from registered voters and turn in the petition, along with a complete “affidavit of identity,” to the Board of Education office.
To qualify for candidacy in Oxford, an individual must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the U.S., a resident of the State of Michigan for at least 30 days and a resident of the school district on or before the 30th day prior to the date of the election. Property ownership is not a requirement for candidacy.
This year’s board election will be held on June 9, 2003.
Two trustee terms expire this year: Steve Drakos, who has recently resigned from the school board, will be leaving a two-year seat vacant; and a four-year term currently held by Ron Mutch will also be open.
In Oxford, filing nominating petitions are due by 4 p.m. on April 7, 2003. Candidates may withdraw from the election as late as 4 p.m. April 10.
Petitions and filing fees can be handled at the Oxford Board of Education Office located at 105 Pontiac Street next to Oxford Elementary School.