When the Altus School Board meets in regular session Tuesday they will have to address the resignation of board member David Walker, Seat #1, and possibly appoint someone to fill the unexpired seat or call for a special election. Walker has moved to England and plans to be there for at least three years.

According to school superintendent Bob Drury, Walker informed him in October that he had applied for a job in England and may be leaving. "It wasn't confirmed until this past month," said Drury.

Drury did say that he has informed all of the other board members of the situation.

"I just wanted them to be aware of it. I presented it to them and left it at that," said Drury. "At the board meeting Tuesday they can discuss it and decided what to do from there."

Once Walker's resignation letter is acted upon, the board will have 60 days to fill the vacant seat either by appointment or by special election. In either event, the position will only be filled for the remainder of this year. To continue board service, whoever takes the seat would have to be on the school election ballot in February. Current school board member Linda Buxton will also be on the school board election ballot.

Board member John Thomas sited one reason he would rather see an appointment over a special election is because the last special election cost the school system $5,300. "To avoid this expense and to get the seat filled in a timely matter so that we can get on with school business, I recommend appointing someone."

He did say that Walker had made a suggestion for his replacement before he left, and board member John Thomas has a candidate in mind as well. Although the Times was unable to contact the other board members for comment, Drury said none of the other board members had mentioned a candidate for the position to him.

Thomas however plans on making a recommendation to the board Tuesday. He plans on recommending that Keith Phillips be appointed. Phillips, son of legendary basketball coach Bill Phillips, is currently employed at First State Bank. Thomas said Phillips' name came up for the position by people who knew he lived in the district and had worked with him on various committees and felt he would be good in the position.

"Keith is willing to serve, is fully understanding of the duties and responsibilities and is willing to commit to the required continuing education needed," Thomas said.

Drury said that any person that has lived in the district for at least six months, has been a registered voter for at least six months, is a high school graduate and is willing to do the training is eligible.

"There is no application process necessary and suggestions can be made by anybody, but the decision will be completely up to the board as to how to replace Walker's position," said Drury.