By Kim McDarison
Tomorrow could be considered the official kickoff of the campaign season as hopefuls looking to run in the upcoming spring general election will have an opportunity to begin circulating nomination papers.
According to the School District of Fort Atkinson’s website, one seat, held by incumbent Rhona Buchta, will come due for reelection on Tuesday, April 2, 2024.
The School District of Fort Atkinson is governed by a five-member board, with each member serving a three-year, at-large term.
According to the School District of Fort Atkinson’s website, additional deadlines regarding the upcoming election include Friday, Dec. 22, at 5 p.m., which is when the incumbent must file a notification of non-candidacy if she chooses not to run.
Additionally, the website notes, candidates for the school board seat must file ballot access documents by Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, by 5 p.m., at the school district’s office.
Those interested in running for the school board seat are required to fill out a Declaration of Candidacy School Board Candidates form (EL-162sd), a copy, which can be filled out online, is available on the district’s website at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/130HFnBredu8aK0_5Fo4yO2785RSnhwrw/view?usp=sharing.
A Campaign Finance Registration Statement form (CF-1L), which can be printed from the district’s website: https://ethics.wi.gov/Resources/CF-1L%20Local%20Candidate%20Registration%20Statement%20fillable.pdf, also must be filled out and submitted.
According to the website, “Any person who files nomination papers and qualifies to appear on the ballot cannot withdraw their name from the ballot after filing.”
A candidate who wishes to have their name placed on the ballot must complete both forms and return them to Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent and School Board Lisa Haas by the Jan. 2 deadline.
Collection of signatures on nomination papers is not required by the school district.
The district office is located at 201 Park Street, Fort Atkinson.
Those looking for additional information about forms and the submittal process can contact Haas by phone: 920-563-7807, or email: haasl@fortschools.org.
A link to the Wisconsin Association of School Boards (WASB) Guide for Candidates 2024 Spring Election Edition is here: https://wasb.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Guide_for_Candidates.pdf.
Additional resources provided to candidates by the WASB are here: https://wasb.org/legal-human-resources-services/school-board-elections-resources/.
School district offices will be closed for the holidays on Dec. 25, 26, 29, and Jan. 1, 2024, according to the district’s website.
A primary election becomes necessary when more than two candidates come forward for the single at-large seat.
If a primary election becomes necessary, it will be held on Feb. 20, 2024.
Following the April 2, 2024 General Spring Election, the successful candidate will take the official oath of office on Monday, April 22, 2024, the website notes.
Information provided on the school district’s website is here: https://www.fortschools.org/Page/9186.
Information provided by the Wisconsin Elections Commission for candidates is here: https://elections.wi.gov/candidates.
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