UPDATED: D161 Board to Interview Applicants for Open Seat Tonight

• CORRECTION (10:26 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4): An earlier version of this story said the board would take action after closed session at Wednesday's meeting. That is not the case. The board will adjourn the meeting after coming out of closed session. Patch regrets the error.

The board will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday to decide who will take over former board member Dee Molinare's open seat. after she filled an open seat on the board, .

Unsure on the ins and outs of how the board picks a new member? We break it down by answering some questions surrounding the process.

Can I go to this meeting?

Yes, although the interviews and discussion about the appointment will be held in closed session. No action will be taken at the meeting.

Why is the new member being appointed? Shouldn't there be an election?

Under state law, the board appoints a new member to serve until the next consolidated election. In this case, the next election--in April 2013--also coincides with what would have been the end of Molinare's term.

What does state law say about how a school board fills the vacancy?

Nothing. It's up to the board to create its own policy on how it fills an open seat. In this case, D161 policy states: "Immediately following a vacancy on the Board of Education, the Board will publicize it and accept résumés from District residents who are interested in filling the vacancy. After reviewing the applications, the Board may invite the prospective candidates for personal interviews to be conducted during duly scheduled closed meetings."

The only stipulation the state imposes is that the appointed board member needs to meet the same eligibility qualifications that a candidate running for school board does.

READ: Check Out Patch's Complete Coverage of Summit Hill School District 161

So how is the D161 board handling this appointment?

who will be interviewed in closed session at the meeting. The board then will vote on the appointment, and the new member will be installed at the next regular board meeting, which is Jan. 11.