May 1, 2014
Re: Board of Education Election
Following receipt of objections from a community resident to the nominating petition filed by Mr. Ernest Kight for office of member of the Freeport Board of Education, the board of education contacted the district's legal counsel.
After a thorough investigation was conducted by the district's counsel, it was determined that Mr. Kight had failed to satisfy the residency criteria requiring one (1) continuous uninterrupted year of residency within the Freeport School District preceding the May 20, 2014 election.
On Wednesday, April 30, 2014 during a special meeting of the board, the board voted 3-0 to reject Mr. Kight's nominating petition based on the evidence provided. Board Trustee Ronald Ellerbe and Board Vice President Vilma Lancaster, both incumbents running for re-election abstained from voting. This is a very serious matter, and the board acted deliberately and under the advice of the district's legal counsel. There are three remaining candidates running for election to the Board of Education on Tuesday, May 20, 2014.