The Springfield Board of Education has chosen the finalists for the board seat that was recently vacated. The seat opened up when Francine Pratt, whose term was set to expire in 2021, recently resigned.
The top three finalists are Matthew Simpson, Jean Twitty and Melissa Penkalski.
During a special meeting Thursday, the Board reviewed 19 letters of interest from those wanting to be considered for appointment to the seat.
Those who submitted letters for consideration in addition to the top three were Sharon Wilkins, Donna Petiford, Christopher Dixon, Dr. Charles Taylor, Dr. Allen Grymes, Swayne Loftis, Monica Horton, Quinci Williams, Michelle Gavel, Carl Herd, Conrad Griggs, Robert Smith, Delilah Jackson, Heather Walters, David Pantleo and Len Eagleburger.
The finalists will be interviewed during an open meeting Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. The board is expected to make a final selection during a special meeting on Nov. 17, and the newly selected board member will be sworn in later that evening during a regular board meeting, according to the Springfield School District.
The appointed candidate will serve until the next board election in April 2016 when voters will decide who will serve the remaining five years of the vacated seat.
