News Summary
The El Paso County School District 8 has canceled its upcoming board election due to a shortage of candidates. Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez are declared elected by acclamation after both submitted valid nomination petitions by the deadline. They will receive certificates of election and are required to take the oath of office soon. This decision highlights the district’s adherence to Colorado state law and aims to ensure a smooth transition in leadership, allowing the board to focus on critical educational matters.
Fountain, Colorado – El Paso County School District 8 has canceled its upcoming board election and declared two candidates elected by acclamation. The decision was formalized by the Board of Education on August 27, 2025, in accordance with Colorado state law.
The cancellation of the board election was made possible due to a lack of candidates exceeding the number of available positions. With only two offices for school directors to fill in the election set for November 4, 2025, Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez were the only individuals who submitted valid nomination petitions by the deadline of August 29, 2025.
As a result of this situation, both Kimball and Martinez will be awarded certificates of election by the designated election official. This is a procedural requirement established to recognize their unopposed election to the positions. Following the receipt of their certificates, the newly elected school directors must take the oath of office within ten days. Upon fulfilling this obligation, they will be qualified to participate in meetings of the Board of Education.
The announcement regarding the election cancellation was made public by Board Secretary Shiona Nash on September 3, 2025, and subsequently published in The Gazette on September 5, 2025. This notification ensures transparency about the electoral process within the district and confirms the smooth transition of leadership within the school board.
Understanding the Legal Framework
According to Colorado Revised Statute section 1-5-208(1.5), school boards have the authority to cancel elections if the number of candidates does not exceed the number of open offices. This legal provision aims to streamline the electoral process and reduce unnecessary expenditures when the outcome is already clear.
Candidates Overview
Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez were the only candidates to file their nomination petitions by the required deadline, presenting sufficient signatures to qualify. As they now proceed to officially assume their roles, it reflects the community’s decision to entrust these individuals with the responsibilities of directing educational policies and initiatives within the district.
Implications for the School District
With the board election canceled, the swift appointment of Kimball and Martinez helps eliminate any prolonged uncertainty regarding leadership within the El Paso County School District 8. Their election by acclamation allows for the continuity of governance and ensures that the board can address pressing educational matters without delay.
Previous Election Trends
The cancellation of the election raises questions about candidate interest and engagement in El Paso County School District 8. Fewer candidates than positions may suggest a need for increased recruitment efforts in future elections, thereby fostering a more competitive and diverse range of candidates for the community to choose from. It also highlights the importance of civic engagement and the role community members play in shaping educational leadership.
In the meantime, Kimball and Martinez are set to embark on their terms, continuing the efforts of the board to enhance educational quality and support for students in the Fountain-Fort Carson area. As the school district prepares for its upcoming challenges and opportunities, the direct guidance of the newly elected board members will be crucial in steering policies aimed at student achievement and community involvement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Kyrene School District Considers Closure of Nine Schools
Additional Resources
- The Gazette: Cancellation of School Board Election
- El Paso Times: Candidates Running in May 3 Elections
- El Paso Times: What to Know for Upcoming Elections
- Wikipedia: El Paso County School District 8
- Google Search: El Paso County School Board Elections
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CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
