News Summary
El Paso County School District 8 has officially canceled its board election after only two candidates submitted valid petitions for two available positions. As a result, Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez will be declared elected by acclamation. The cancellation aligns with Colorado law that allows school districts to forgo elections when the number of candidates does not exceed available seats, ensuring a streamlined governance process. This procedural decision reflects a trend in local school governance, emphasizing the importance of candidate participation in future elections.
El Paso, Texas — El Paso County School District 8 Cancels Board Election and Declares Candidates Elected by Acclamation
The El Paso County School District 8, within the Fountain-Fort Carson School District, has officially canceled its upcoming board election scheduled for November 4, 2025, after only two candidates submitted valid nomination petitions for two available board director positions. As a result, both candidates will be declared elected by acclamation.
Background and Legal Authority
The decision to cancel the election was made following provisions set forth by Colorado law (Colo. Rev. Stat. sect. 1-5-208(1.5)), which authorizes school districts to forego holding an election when the number of candidates does not exceed the number of available seats. The law facilitates a streamlined process when no contesting candidates are present, allowing the candidates to automatically assume office without a vote.
Key Dates and Procedures
The Board of Education adopted a formal resolution on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, to cancel the election, following a careful review of candidate submissions. The district’s designated election official was responsible for reviewing nomination petitions and verifying candidate eligibility.
By the deadline of August 29, 2025, only two individuals, Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez, submitted sufficient signatures on their petitions to qualify for the two open board director positions. Since there were no other candidates vying for these seats, the legal requirements for cancellation were met.
Implications for Candidates and the District
Due to the lack of opposition, Kimball and Martinez will receive certificates of election from the election official. Following receipt, each candidate is required to take the oath of office within 10 days. Once sworn in, they will be eligible to participate fully in meetings and decision-making processes as members of the Board of Education.
Public Announcement and Documentation
The official announcement regarding the election cancellation and candidate election by acclamation was published on September 3, 2025, by Shiona Nash, the Board Secretary. This information was subsequently made available to the public through publication in The Gazette on September 5, 2025.
Context and Broader Significance
The cancellation of this school board election reflects a common occurrence when candidates do not register for available seats within the prescribed deadlines. It streamlines governance for the district, ensuring continuity without the need for a contested vote. This process underscores the importance of candidate participation and adherence to election timelines in local school governance.
El Paso County School District 8’s approach aligns with Colorado statutes designed to facilitate efficient school district operations. While the election was canceled for 2025, future election cycles may see more candidates vying for positions, potentially reviving contested elections.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Gazette: Cancellation of School Board Election
- El Paso Times: Candidates Running in May 3 Elections
- El Paso Times: What to Know for Upcoming Elections
- Wikipedia: El Paso County School District 8
- Google Search: El Paso County School Board Elections
Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER
VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
