Normally, candidates have to wait until November to know if they will be serving in public office, however, that is not the case for Barb Fowler, who filed for a seat on the USD 253 Board of Education this election cycle.
The reason is that Fowler was one of only three individuals to file for one of three positions up for election. Also filing were incumbents Jami Reever and Lillian Lingenfelter, who are running unopposed.
Not filing, however, was incumbent Jennifer Thomas, who told KVOE News Monday, following the candidate filing and withdrawal deadline, that while she has enjoyed her time on the board, four years was long enough for her. With no other candidates on the ballot, and barring a significant write-in campaign, Fowler will be taking the seat held by Thomas since 2021.
Lingenfelter stated this is a rare position for the board, as they have not had a situation like this in recent years. While she says she will miss Thomas on the board, adding she has been a big part of many of the successes the district has seen in recent years, this is somewhat of a fortunate situation as herself, Reever and even Fowler will now be able to focus more attention on how to further the district’s mission rather than splitting their attention between the board and the election.
Reever, who also offered her thanks to Thomas for her time on the board, says this is also a rare opportunity for Fowler as she will have an extended period of time to get up to speed on the major issues facing the district ahead of her official appointment in January.
Fowler will not be the only new face for local leadership following the upcoming election as the Emporia City Commission is guaranteed at least two new members after commissioners Jamie Sauder and Susan Brinkman announced they will not seek another term in office. On the commission ballot are incumbent Tyler Curtis and hopefuls Tammi Ogle, Monica Duncan, Denise Gilligan, Aaron Larson, Don Loux, Kurt Steinkuhler, and Travis Hitt.
The voting registration deadline is set for October 14, with the general election scheduled for Tuesday, November 4.
