Bill > H116

This bill changes the election process for the school boards in Columbus, Gaston, and Johnston Counties, making their board of education elections partisan instead of nonpartisan. For Columbus County, the board will consist of five members elected from residency districts, with each member needing to be a qualified voter and resident of their specific district. For Gaston County, the board will have nine members - two elected at-large and seven from specific residency districts, with all members being elected countywide. Johnston County's board elections will also become partisan. The bill specifies that for each county, candidates will be nominated like other county officers and will be elected during the general election in even-numbered years. Members will take office on the first Monday in December following their election and serve until their successors are elected. The bill also provides specific provisions for handling vacancies, particularly for members elected in 2024, ensuring that when a vacancy occurs in a residency district seat, the replacement must come from that same district. The changes to these county school board election processes will become effective in December 2026, with elections conducted accordingly from that point forward.

Government Affairs

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H116