Carlton school board race needs a write-in

With only two candidates running to fill three seats up for election, the Carlton school board will have to make some decisions after canvassing the Nov. 3 vote on Nov. 12. Longtime board member Tim Hagenah is seeking re-election, while chairwoman LaRae Lehto and member Jennifer Chmielewski chose to not seek re-election. Hagenah and Eryn Szymczak are the only candidates on the ballot.

Protocol in these situations is to accept the person getting the most write-in votes in the election to fill what will be a vacant seat. If that person chooses to not serve, or if there are no qualified write-ins, the board would seek applications for the open seat and make an appointment.

“I am hopeful that the new board will make financially sound decisions that keep the children’s education a priority,” Chmielewski said, adding that she plans to write in Timothy Soden-Groves for the board.