MN HF4163

School boards must first offer vacant seats to the candidate who received the next highest number of votes in the most recent election before making discretionary appointments.

If the runner-up candidate declines the position, the board may then appoint someone at its discretion.

Appointments take effect 30 days after the board adopts a resolution, and can be blocked if a petition signed by at least 5% of voters from the most recent state general election is filed within that 30-day period.

Special elections to fill vacancies must be held by the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November following the vacancy, unless the vacancy occurs less than 90 days before that date.

No special election is required if the vacancy occurs less than two years before the term expires, except when a board member was removed pursuant to statute, which triggers a mandatory special election.