Columbia School Board seeks to fill vacancy by June

COLUMBIA — The Columbia School Board “accepted with regret” the resignation of board member Rosie Tippin on Thursday, according to a news release from the board.

School Board President Jan Mees announced on May 11 Tippin’s request for resignation because of health issues. Tippin was elected to the board in April 2008.

The School Board is accepting applications to fill Tippin’s unexpired term, and the newly selected member is to serve until the next election in April 2010 and can then seek re-election for an additional year, the release stated. An election for a regular three-year term is to be held in April 2011.

The deadline for submitting applications is 4:30 p.m. June 5, and interviews are to be conducted by the board June 11. Applications are available online at columbia.k12.mo.us and must be filed in person at the office of the board's secretary, 1818 W. Worley St.

The School Board is expected to swear in the next board member on June 18, so that the selected member can begin before the new superintendent, Chris Belcher, takes over July 1.