Board opens two‑week application window to fill District 5 vacancy after Cunningham’s death

The Moore County Board of Education voted Aug. 5 to open a two‑week application window to fill the unexpired District 5 seat created by the death of board member Bruce Cunningham. The board said it will accept resumes and a brief letter of intent answering two questions: what is the role of a board member and what the applicant would bring to the board. Submissions will be accepted by email, mail or hand delivery addressed to the board chair during the application period Aug. 6–20.

Board members said state statute imposes no single mandated appointment process and that the board historically has used written applications and internal review. Board member Pam Carter suggested the two‑week window and the application questions; the board seconded the motion and voted to open the period. The appointed person must live in District 5 and will serve until the board swears in the winner of the Nov. 2020 election at the December 2020 meeting.

Board members asked the county Board of Elections to be available to confirm residency boundaries for applicants. The board emphasized a quick timeline because the board is preparing major decisions affecting the southern portion of the county, including new schools and attendance-line changes. The board chair directed staff to prepare a public notice to circulate immediately to district channels.