The Chatham County as the Board of Education could appoint a replacement as early as Monday for former District 4 school board member Col. Gerald Totten, who died unexpectedly Dec. 2, 2009.

A hearing will be held Monday, Jan. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. at which the school board will consider the five applications they have received thus far. Applications must be received at the Central Office, 360 West St., by Friday, Jan. 22 at 5 p.m. Applications may also be e-mailed to Sheila Talley, stalley@chatham.k12.nc.us.

Five people have applied for the post:

  • Jonathan E. Hart, who works in I.T. at the N.C. State Employee Credit Union in Raleigh;
  • Carlos Simpson, who did not include a resume;
  • Gary L. Leonard a sixth-grade language arts and social studies teacher at Chatham Charter School;
  • Mary B. Harris who is retired after 34 years of teaching in Chatham County schools;
  • Trudy Paschal Walters, also a retired school teacher with more than 30 years in the school system.

Update: Just before the Friday deadline, Stephen Douglas Burke, an accountant with the N.C. Department of Transportation, filed his application.

The school board will hold a special hearing Monday, Jan. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. at which the school board will consider the six applications, and make their final decision.

Chatham County has four school board districts with five seats. Deb McManus, board chair is the other District 4 representative, which includes Siler City. The new board member will be sworn in Feb. 15.

Read their applications.