According to the Nevada Revised Statutes, the board is required to post a two-week notice in local newspapers. The first notice was published in the Sparks Tribune and Reno Gazette-Journal Monday. The opening is also posted on the school district's Web site.
Barbara Price, president and trustee for District G, said she has received a few inquiries but no applications yet.
"We've directed people to the Web site or have faxed or sent them the ad and asked for their letter of interest," Price said. "Hopefully, people will provide a thoughtful response and think about the information they'll be presenting to us before the meeting on Sept. 2."
The board scheduled a special meeting on that date to consider candidates in a public setting. The candidates likely will make a brief presentation about their background and interest.
At its Aug. 5 meeting when the board and district superintendent Paul Dugan discussed the procedure, trustees suggested treating the position as if it were a formal application by having candidates submit resumes and letters of recommendation since they would not have the chance to run a political campaign for a regular election season.
The new trustee would complete the rest of Porter's term, which expires Dec. 31, 2009. Price said if the trustee wished to run for election, they could file for candidacy at the appropriate time next year.
"The public is welcome to apply," Price said. "We're just struggling to do a process to give notice to the public and yet balance it with a need to appoint someone in the short-term to be responsible as an elected official. We're hoping we get some solid applications."
Price said candidates need only possess two requirements to apply: Applicants must be a registered voter in Washoe County and live within the area they're representing. District F covers the eastern part of the county from Spanish Springs to Geiger Grade.
Specific types of experience may vary. Price said it is beneficial to the board to have members from all professions and walks of life.
"As a trustee, it's important to spend time strengthening your knowledge in areas you're less familiar with," she said. "We take that high-level approach and broaden our views that we are economic advocates. We're overseeing the budget and look at how we can keep working to make this district a more efficient operation."
Price said the board's priority is to ensure the students' success. That involves a great deal of time attending various student functions and business and community meetings, she said. In the midst of the time commitment, trustees still have to make sure they're committed to their own personal and professional lives.
It may be a struggle, Price said, but a worthwhile one.
"When you see our students succeeding at graduation, at some of their celebrations where students are talking about their teachers that inspire them or how they're fulfilling their dreams, that is a trustee's (reward)," Price said. "We're launching the next generation of citizens in our community and beyond. We truly are in a global economy and students move beyond Nevada and into the world and they represent us. It's exciting to see that level of excellence."
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