Six Candidates Apply for Cambridge School Board Seats
The board plans to fill two vacancies caused by recent resignations during a meeting scheduled for October 26.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Administration
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Six applicants have submitted their names to fill two open seats on the Cambridge School Board. The openings follow the departures of former members Jim Womble and Annie LaValley, who resigned in September after relocating out of the district.
Why it matters
The board must fill these vacancies to restore full representation for the district. The appointed members will serve through April 2027 and will have the opportunity to seek election to continue their service at that time.
Board members are paid an annual salary of $1,500. The application process concluded on October 16 at 4 p.m.
The players
Jim Womble
He is a former Cambridge School Board member who served from 2016 until his resignation in 2026.
Annie LaValley
She is a former Cambridge School Board member who was appointed in 2024 and elected in 2025.
The details
The candidates seeking the roles are Sean Nicholl, Brody Allen, Sonja Jacobson, Lana Martin, Katelynn Robinson, and Anna Cassidy. The board will interview the candidates and conduct a formal vote to appoint the new members during their upcoming session.
Timeline
January 2016: Jim Womble was appointed to the board.
April 2024: Annie LaValley was appointed to the board.
April 2025: Annie LaValley was elected to the board.
September 2026: Womble and LaValley resigned from the board.
October 16, 2026: The application deadline closed at 4 p.m.
Culture Shift
School board turnover often fluctuates due to member relocation, reflecting broader trends in community mobility and civic participation. This appointment process aligns with the National School Boards Association's governance standards regarding mid-term vacancies.
Residents should anticipate changes to board leadership that will influence district policies until the April 2027 election. The appointment process ensures that the district maintains full representation for upcoming board decisions.
The takeaway
Interested community members can attend the board meeting on October 26 to observe the selection process. This event offers insight into how local officials are chosen and how vacancies are managed within the district.
What happens next
The school board will hold a meeting to interview and vote on the candidates on October 26. Following the appointment, the successful candidates are scheduled to take their oath of office at the meeting on November 23.
Further reading
For more information on local school governance, visit Cambridge Administration.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Daily Jefferson County Union.
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