The Chapel Hill-Carrboro Board of Education has begun its search to select a replacement to fill Valerie Foushee's vacated spot, which it hopes to do by Dec. 2.
Foushee, whose term was supposed to end in 2005, resigned Nov. 4 after being elected to the Orange County Board of Commissioners.
The school board held an orientation session Thursday hoping to better inform potential applicants about what the job entails and what the board looks for in a candidate.
The board will accept applications until Nov. 19.
A state statute allows board members to vote on a replacement when a member leaves mid-term, said Kim Hoke, spokeswoman for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools.
Candidates are required to submit an application, provide three letters of reference and answer questions about the biggest problems facing the school system and their past involvement in the district.
They will also have to give opening and closing statements and answer questions from the school board at a Nov. 29 forum.
The selection process, including the candidates' applications and references as well as the forum, is entirely open to the public.
The school board will vote on a new member Dec. 2 and swear in its selection at its next meeting.
