District 303 seeking candidates to fill school board vacancy

St. Charles Unit District 303 is seeking applicants to fill a school board vacancy after longtime member James Gaffney stepped down.

Gaffney, who served on the board for 15 years, announced his resignation in a June 3 letter to board President Kathy Hewell.

Gaffney, 71, said Tuesday he has no specific reason for leaving. He's proud of what the board has accomplished during his tenure, he said, but he's ready to move on.

"It's time for me to step aside and let somebody else step in and take the position with some newer ideas," Gaffney said. "I've had a great run. I have no complaints, and I wouldn't trade it for anything."

In a statement released Tuesday, school board members thanked Gaffney for his dedication. His seat is expected to be filled after a public vote during a July board meeting.

Community members interested in serving on the board are asked to submit a resume and letter of interest by 3 p.m. June 26. Board members will review applications and select candidates to be interviewed.

The appointee will serve until the April 2019 election, at which point voters will elect a candidate to serve the remaining two years of Gaffney's term, district spokeswoman Carol Smith said.

Applications should be sent to Christine Rachford, school board recording secretary, at 201 S. 7th St., St. Charles, Illinois, 60174. More information can be found at district.d303.org.