Changes continue to take shape for the Carter County Board of Education.

After a pair of resignations, the BOE is looking to be at full strength by the end of the month with the Carter County Commission now looking to fill a vacancy in the 1st District.

The vacancy occurred following the resignation of former BOE Vice Chairman Craig Davis. Davis resigned from the post citing health concerns and the resignation was made official during the board’s September meeting.

According to information provided by county officials, applications are now being accepted for residents of the 1st District that are seeking a spot on the board.

To be eligible for the vacancy, applicants must:

• Be a resident and qualified voter of the 1st District
• Be a citizen of recognized integrity, intelligence and ability to administer duties of the position
• Must have proof of graduation from high school or receipt of a GED with the Carter County Election Commission

Potential candidates are asked to submit a Boards and Committees Application and/or a resume to the County Clerk’s Office, inside the County Courthouse, during regular business hours.

Each applicant will be given time to address the County Commission during the Monday, Oct. 15, meeting. The meeting is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. and once each applicant has made their case for the decision, the Commission will vote to appoint the candidate.

The Elizabethton Star confirmed that whoever commissioners select will fulfil the remainder of Davis’ term.

This year has already been interesting for the county school system. Previous chairman Rusty Barnett was elected the county mayor during the August election. Commissioners voted to appoint former Commissioner Danny Ward to serve the remainder of Barnett’s term recently for the 4th District. Ward was voted on by the board and took part in September’s BOE meeting.

While Ward is pegged to serve in the interim, he was the only candidate to submit voter paperwork to be included in the November election for the 4th District. Ward will have the interim tagged removed from the title following the election.

During September’s meeting, the BOE voted to appoint Jerry Stout to serve as chairman and Tony Garland to serve as vice chairman. Once the Commission appoints an applicant, the BOE will be back to full capacity.

For additional information on the application process, contact the Carter County Clerk’s Office at (423) 542-1814.