By MIKE RUSSO
Under New York State Education Law, the board has the right either to appoint someone to the seat by their own power or to hold a special election, in which the community would elect the new member. Trustees were seemingly in agreement that the appointment option was more viable for several reasons. The earliest that a special election could be held is October, meaning that the new trustee would miss school board training that is offered over the summer. In addition, board members said they felt that the cost of running and advertising a special election should be weighed against the fact that a new member would not be serving for a full year if elected in October because a replacement only serves until the May election. District officials estimated that running an election would cost the district, and ultimately taxpayers, up to $10,000 because it would require legal advertising in local newspapers, rental of voting machines and hiring of election inspectors.
School Board Trustee B.A. Schoen said that he was "firmly in support" of appointing Scannell’s replacement. When asked if he had someone in mind for the vacant seat, Schoen — a lifelong resident of Baldwin — said that he has always urged people to be involved in the schools and to run for the school board, so he knows of many residents that could make an impact if they served. He added that he was confident that the board could make a good selection from an appointment. "I wouldn't support it if I didn't," he said.
District spokeswoman Cristina Schmohl said that the board hopes to fill the vacancy before their next public meeting in August so the new member can take advantage of summer training. She added that the community will be able to vote to keep or remove the trustee
from office in the May 2010 election.
"The board is confident that they will be able to find a qualified community member who will be willing and able to fill the vacant seat but cannot comment of potential candidates," Schmohl said. "Because of the close relationship among the members of the Baldwin School Board, they are certain they can agree unanimously before going forward in appointing a candidate to fill the vacancy."
Comments about this story? MRusso@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.
