News Summary
El Paso County School District 8 has canceled its board election due to a lack of contested candidates, declaring Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez elected by acclamation. Only two candidates submitted nomination petitions, prompting the Board of Education to adopt a resolution for cancellation. Kimball and Martinez will receive certificates of election and must take an oath of office within ten days. This decision follows state law allowing cancellations when candidate numbers match available positions, ensuring immediate stability within the board.
Fountain, Colorado – El Paso County School District 8 Cancels Board Election
El Paso County School District 8 has officially canceled its upcoming board election due to a lack of contested candidates, declaring Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez as elected by acclamation. The decision came after a resolution was adopted by the Board of Education on August 27, 2025.
According to state law outlined in Colorado Revised Statutes section 1-5-208(1.5), school districts have the authority to cancel an election if the number of candidates does not exceed the number of offices open for election. In this instance, only two individuals submitted nomination petitions containing sufficient signatures by the deadline of August 29, 2025, thus fulfilling the requirement needed for the cancellation.
The upcoming election was scheduled for November 4, 2025, and concerned the filling of two positions on the school board. As there were not more candidates than there were positions available, the Board of Education’s decision to cancel the election was both legally justified and straightforward.
As a result of this decision, Kimball and Martinez will receive certificates of election from the designated election official. Following the receipt of these certificates, both candidates are required to take an oath of office within ten days. Completion of this oath will qualify them to participate in future meetings of the Board of Education.
The announcement regarding the cancellation and the election of the two individuals was publicly shared by Board Secretary Shiona Nash on September 3, 2025. It subsequently appeared in The Gazette on September 5, providing transparency and clarity regarding the District’s electoral process.
Background on School District 8
El Paso County School District 8 encompasses the Fountain-Fort Carson School District, located in Fountain, Colorado. The district plays a critical role in shaping educational policies and overseeing the academic and operational functions of local schools. Board elections are typically held every year to ensure that community members can elect representatives who will advocate for the interests of students and families within the district.
The role of the Board of Education is pivotal in guiding district operations, from setting educational standards to approving budgets and ensuring compliance with state educational regulations. Each board member contributes to decision-making processes that impact the educational experience of thousands of students within the district.
Understanding Election Procedures
In Colorado, the procedure for school board elections is designed to be democratic, giving local communities a voice in their educational governance. All potential candidates must gather a set number of signatures from registered voters in the district to qualify for the ballot. If the number of candidates is equal to or fewer than the number of positions available, the election can be canceled, as seen in this instance.
This year’s cancellation marks a unique situation for El Paso County School District 8, as elections generally feature a competitive landscape. The election’s cancellation and the acclamation of Kimball and Martinez signal a shift in the usual electoral dynamics within the district.
The Board’s decision not only adheres to state law but also ensures immediate stability within the board, allowing the newly elected directors to step into their roles without delay.
El Paso County School District 8 looks forward to welcoming Kimball and Martinez to the Board of Education, where they will work towards enhancing the educational framework and outcomes for students in their community.
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Additional Resources
- The Gazette: Cancellation of School Board Election
- El Paso Times: Candidates Running in May 3 Elections
- El Paso Times: What to Know for Upcoming Elections
- Wikipedia: El Paso County School District 8
- Google Search: El Paso County School Board Elections
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INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
