NC H42

Changes the Rowan-Salisbury Board of Education election method from nonpartisan to partisan, with elections based on single-member residency districts corresponding to high school attendance zones.

Creates a referendum requirement: if a county-wide election occurs before January 1, 2018, the referendum is placed on that ballot; otherwise, a referendum is held on November 6, 2018.

Part I implements partisan elections beginning in 2018 if the referendum passes in 2017; Part II implements partisan elections beginning in 2020 if no 2017 referendum occurs and the 2018 referendum passes.

Establishes seven board seats with four-year staggered terms, with candidates required to reside in their district and candidates affiliated with political parties participating in partisan primaries and general elections.

Adds Rowan County to the list of counties eligible for vacancy appointments under G.S. 115C-37.1, requiring appointees to reside in the district where the vacancy exists.