El Paso County, September 6, 2025
News Summary
El Paso County School District 8 has canceled its Board of Education election due to an insufficient number of candidates. Only two candidates, Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez, qualified for the two available positions. As a result, both individuals will take office without a vote, being declared elected by acclamation. The cancellation highlights the importance of community participation in local governance and the procedural regulations ensuring fair elections.
El Paso County — El Paso County School District 8 has officially canceled its upcoming Board of Education election after determining there are not enough candidates to warrant a vote. The resolution to cancel the Board Director Election was enacted by the Board of Education on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, following state law that permits such actions if the number of candidates is equal to or less than the number of available offices (Colo. Rev. Stat. sect. 1-5-208(1.5)).
The decision comes as the election day set for November 4, 2025, nears. Only two individuals—Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez—submitted the necessary nomination petitions that included an adequate number of signatures to qualify as candidates for the two available school director positions. Consequently, both candidates will be declared elected by acclamation.
According to the recent timeline, August 29, 2025, served as the deadline for assessing the number of candidates eligible for the election. Having met the criteria, Kimball and Martinez are now set to receive certificates of election from the designated election official. Following the issuance of these certificates, they must take the oath of office within ten days to formally assume their roles. Once they complete this process, they will be able to engage in meetings of the Board of Education.
The announcement regarding the election’s cancellation and the subsequent acclamation of candidates was made public by Board Secretary Shiona Nash on September 3, 2025. It was subsequently published in a local newspaper on September 5, 2025, informing the community of the shift in the electoral process.
This unusual occurrence highlights the importance of candidate participation within local elections and emphasizes the procedural measures in place to ensure that elections proceed equitably and fairly. The Board of Education continues to encourage community involvement in future elections and decision-making processes within the school district.
El Paso County School District 8 serves the city of Fountain and the surrounding areas, providing education to thousands of students. This latest development in the district is expected to streamline leadership transitions and maintain continuity within the Board of Education, ensuring that local governance responsibilities are upheld effectively.
Key Details
- Date of Resolution: August 27, 2025
- Deadline for Candidate Assessments: August 29, 2025
- Date of Election Cancellation Announcement: September 3, 2025
- Public Announcement Date: September 5, 2025
- Candidates Declared Elected: Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez
- Positions Available: 2 Director Offices
Background Context
The procedure for canceling elections is established under Colorado state law. It aims to preserve tax dollars by not conducting unnecessary elections when the number of candidates meets or is fewer than the number of available positions. This results in elected officials assuming their roles without a competitive election process if the conditions are met. It highlights the procedural nature of governance in local education systems.
FAQ Section
Why was the election for El Paso County School District 8 canceled?
The election was canceled because only two candidates qualified for two available positions, leading to their election by acclamation.
Who are the newly elected members of the Board of Education?
The newly elected members are Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez.
What is the next step for the newly elected officials?
They must take the oath of office within ten days of receiving their certificates of election.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Resolution Date | August 27, 2025 |
| Election Date | November 4, 2025 |
| Candidate Submission Deadline | August 29, 2025 |
| Candidates | Loretta Kimball, Shirley Martinez |
| Positions Available | 2 |
| Cancellation Announcement Date | September 3, 2025 |
| Publication Date | September 5, 2025 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Gazette: Cancellation of School Board Election
- El Paso Times: Candidates Running in May 3 Elections
- El Paso Times: What to Know for Upcoming Elections
- Wikipedia: El Paso County School District 8
- Google Search: El Paso County School Board Elections
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