September 6, 2025

El Paso County School District 8 Cancels Board Election

News Summary

El Paso County School District 8 has canceled its Board Director election after only two candidates submitted nomination petitions, resulting in their election by acclamation. Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez qualified for the two available positions, allowing for a seamless transition into office. The Board Secretary made the announcement, ensuring the community was informed about the election changes. This decision highlights current participation trends within the district and will enable both directors to focus on enhancing educational experiences for students and families.

Fountain, Colorado – El Paso County School District 8 has announced the cancellation of its upcoming Board Director election, declaring candidates elected by acclamation. The decision comes after only two individuals submitted the necessary nomination petitions by the deadline, which was set for August 29, 2025.

During a Board of Education meeting held on August 27, 2025, a resolution was adopted allowing the cancellation of the election scheduled for November 4, 2025. The state law, specifically Colo. Rev. Stat. sect. 1-5-208(1.5), permits school boards to cancel elections when the number of candidates does not exceed the number of available positions.

For this election, there were two offices of school director to be filled. Only Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez successfully completed the nomination process and qualified as candidates for these positions. Consequently, both Kimball and Martinez will be officially declared elected without the need for a contested election.

Following this announcement, the designated election official is responsible for issuing certificates of election to the newly elected individuals. According to the guidelines, both Kimball and Martinez are required to take an oath of office within ten days of receiving their certificates. After this step is completed, they will be eligible to participate in the meetings of the Board of Education.

The official announcement regarding the cancellation and the acclamation of the candidates was made by Shiona Nash, the Board Secretary, and was published on September 3, 2025. It was later included in The Gazette on September 5, 2025, to ensure that the community was well informed about the changes in the upcoming election process.

El Paso County School District 8, located within the Fountain-Fort Carson School District, operates under the governance of a Board of Education. This board plays a significant role in overseeing the district’s educational policies and ensuring the effective administration of schools within the area.

The decision to cancel the election is reflective of the current state of candidate participation within the district. It allows for a streamlined transition into office for the candidates and minimizes the logistical complexities associated with running an election when positions are unfilled.

Both Kimball and Martinez are expected to bring their unique perspectives and contributions to the Board of Education as they assume their new roles. Their election by acclamation signifies a smooth path forward for the governance of El Paso County School District 8 as the school year progresses.

As the district prepares for their tenure, students, families, and community members await the initiatives and leadership strategies both directors will employ to enhance the educational experience within the district. With the Board of Education now filled, the focus can shift to addressing educational challenges and opportunities ahead.