The Ames school board plans to appoint a replacement to fill Scott Dryer’s vacancy

The Ames Community School Board has a vacant seat to fill.

Board Director William “Scott” Dryer will step down effective December 1 to take a job at Iowa State University.

Dryer’s resignation was announced during Monday’s board meeting.

Dryer, who was elected to the board in 2023, has accepted a position as clinical experience coordinator at Iowa State’s School of Education.

Dryer said he felt he couldn’t give the school board the time it deserves in his new role, though he said he will miss serving.

“I feel like we have a great administration that works hard to do what is best for the students,” Dryer said. “I really enjoyed my time on the board, working with this particular board and with (Superintendent) Scott Grimes and (former Superintendent) Julius Lawson.”

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The board plans to fill the vacancy by appointment

The Ames School Board will fill Dryer’s vacant seat by appointment. The board has until the end of December to fill the vacancy.

Interested candidates should submit an application to the board explaining why they are interested and how their past experiences may be helpful.

The final round of candidates will be interviewed by the board at a public meeting, a process that has been done in the past to fill vacancies.

The school board advertises the vacancy in the Ames Tribune.

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Residents can call for a special election

A special election may be held within a two-week period after the opening is posted. School Board President Kelly Winfrey said a petition with at least 744 signatures is required. The special election is estimated to cost between $20,000 and $25,000.

Winfrey said the only day a special election could take place would be Dec. 10, because of the general election and the remaining time frame.

Dryer’s replacement will serve until November 2025. The board member must then run for that year’s election to fill the remainder of the four-year term, which expires in 2027.

Celia Brocker is a government, crime, politics and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Dryer is leaving the Ames school board. How will his place be filled?