Trustees approved a resolution on Jan. 28 to call for a general election on May 7, 2016, to fill the open seats on the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees.
The resolution also approved holding a special election on May 7, 2016, to fill the open trustee seat vacated by Mike Morath, who resigned from the board to serve as Texas Education Commissioner.
Here are the details on the upcoming election:
Which trustee seats are up for election?
These are the trustee seats up for election in May:
- District 2: This seat represents parts of East Dallas and North Dallas. Morath held this seat before resigning in December. A special election will fill the seat because Morath’s term was not set to expire this year;
- District 4: This seat represents Seagoville, Balch Springs, and southeast Dallas. Trustee Nancy Bingham currently holds this seat, and she announced that she would not seek reelection in May. Omar Jimenez, Jaime Resendez, and Camile D. White have filed to run for the seat.
- District 5: This seat represents Oak Lawn, West Dallas, Wilmer-Hutchins, and portions of East Oak Cliff. Dr. Lew Blackburn currently holds this seat. Blackburn, Marquis Hawkins, and Linda M. Wilkerson-Wynn have filed to run for the seat;
- District 7: This seat represents North Oak Cliff, parts of West Dallas and Cockrell Hill. Eric Cowan currently holds the seat, and he announced that he would not seek reelection in May. Issac Faz and Audrey Pinkerton have filed to run for the seat.
What does a trustee do?
The Dallas ISD Board of Trustees establishes the policies by which schools operate. In carrying out the task of setting policy, the board identifies needs and establishes priorities for the school system, allocates financial and human resources among the priority areas, and evaluates school performance. Trustees also hire and supervise the superintendent.
How long does a trustee serve?
A trustee serves a three-year term of office. The terms are staggered so that the board maintains a number of veteran trustees as new members are potentially elected.
Can I vote for any trustee district seat?
No, a person can only vote for the trustee seat that covers the area where they live.
When is the filing period for someone interested in running for a trustee seat?
The filing period for candidates interested in running for the District 4, 5 and 7 trustee seats opened Jan. 20 and closed Feb. 19.
The filing period for candidates interested in running in the special election for the District 2 seat is Jan. 29–March 7. The Hub will announce the candidates who have filed to run for the seat March 7.
How do I register to vote?
Go here to learn how to register to vote and for important dates for the upcoming election.
