The Okmulgee School Board will soon face the need for a special election following an unsuccessful attempt to fill the vacant Ward 4 seat during a special meeting held on Wednesday, March 26.

The seat has been vacant since February when Heather Kimbley resigned, leaving a gap in representation for the ward. Former board member Rod Wiemer, who previously served the district, applied to fill the position. However, his appointment did not gain enough support from the remaining board members.

Out of the four current members, Board President Leroy Parker and member Vickie Jones voted against Wiemer’s appointment. Krystal Bohannon, the third member present, chose to abstain. Mike James, the remaining board member, was absent from the meeting. With no majority vote in favor, the board was unable to appoint Wiemer or move forward with any alternative nominations.

Because the vacancy remains unfilled, the district will now need to pursue a special election. If the election cannot be scheduled to coincide with an already planned election, it will cost the school district, which is already facing financial difficulties, a minimum of $6,000, according to Okmulgee County Election Board officials.

The Ward 4 seat plays a vital role in shaping policies, supporting students and staff and ensuring accountability within the school system. Until the vacancy is resolved, the board will continue to operate with four active members.

More details about the timing and procedures of the special election will be announced by the school board in the coming weeks. School community members are encouraged to stay informed and consider participation in the upcoming election process.

Okmulgee Public School has had to pay out the remaining two years of its three-year contract with former Superintendent Clay Vinyard, following his resignation in February. He is on administrative leave through June 30 and will be paid the rest of his $150,000 annual salary, according to the resignation agreement.

Vinyard will also receive $161,538 for a second year’s salary and the sum of 20 days paid vacation.

Vineyard’s decision to resign after only nine months of employment with the district was reportedly “based on philosophical disagreements” with Board President Leroy Parker.