OK SB709

School board vacancies must be filled by special election rather than appointment by the board, with elected members serving the balance of the unexpired term

Candidates for special elections must file declarations of candidacy on a Monday through Wednesday at least 10 days after the seat is declared vacant

Vacancies declared within the first 14 days of November will use the regular election process; all other vacancies require a special election

Board appointment remains only for situations where no candidate files for an open position, with appointees required to reside in the school district but not necessarily in the specific board or election district

Governor retains authority to appoint members when vacancies cause loss of a board majority, effective July 1, 2025