Kansas school boards are having trouble finding people to serve.
The Kansas Association of School Boards says in the last 12 years, school districts across the state have consistently had 50 to 70 seats empty.
Doug Moeckel, an executive with the association, says school boards often have to make difficult budget and personnel decisions, which can cause conflict for board members.
He says many people want to serve but are frustrated when they realize the school districts don’t have the resources to provide all the services needed.
When no one is available to fill a school board seat, voters can either write in a candidate or the board can appoint someone.
Candidates for the USD 489 Board of Education will participate in a forum on March 25th at Cody Commons inside the Fort Hays State Union. The forum, which will also include Hays City Commission candidates, will begin at 6:30.