The Board of Education in Fayette is looking for a new board member. First-term member Kristen Gibbs resigned at the board’s last meeting on Wednesday, May 15.

In her resignation letter to the board, Gibbs stated she was moving out of the district and, therefore, could no longer serve. Gibbs was elected without opposition in 2022 and has one year remaining in her first term. 

Now, the board is searching for someone to serve the remaining portion of Gibbs’s term, which will expire in April 2025. Members agreed in May to accept resumes until the end of this month from those interested in serving on the board and who live within the district. 

Gibbs confirmed to the Advertiser that she was moving with her husband and two children to Columbia but will remain in her position as Chief Lending Officer at the Fayette branch of Exchange Bank of Missouri.

Both Board President Skip Vandelicht and recently elected member Lisa Shrum each said they each had someone in mind for the open seat, but neither stated whom. It may be safe to presume that person is Brian Gose, who lost a three-way race for two open seats in April. He finished third in the balloting behind Shrum and Wes Friebe, who were sworn in during the board’s reorganization meeting in April.

Those interested in contending for the seat should email a resume and cover letter to board secretary Jessica Dodson at jdodson@fayetteschool.org.

The school board meets on the third Wednesday of every month except for July at 6:30 p.m. in the high school library. Meetings are open, agendas are published in advance, and the public is invited.