HCS/HB 1809 - Current law provides a mechanism which allows a school board member (of a district containing a school declared academically deficient) to be removed by the voters in a recall election. This act creates additional procedures under which Kansas City school board members (who have served at least 90 days in office) may be removed by the voters in a recall election.

The act stipulates that recall petitions may originate from either: the voters of a subdistrict for a member who represents that subdistrict; or the district-at-large for an at-large member. This act contains specifications regarding: the requirements for filing the petition, including its physical form and content; the grounds for recall; and the procedure for verifying signatures.

If a majority votes to retain the recalled member, the member shall both remain in office and be exempt from another recall effort under this section. If the member is recalled, a successor shall be chosen at the next date available for school elections. If a member resigns after a recall petition is filed, the position shall remain vacant until the next election date available for school elections.

Further, this act requires individuals running for election to seven-member school district boards to have lived and been registered to vote in the district for a year. The current prohibition against City of St. Louis school board members being related to school district employees within the second degree is repealed, as are the provisions specifying election by and composition of subdistricts.
DONALD THALHUBER