Wake School board looks to fill seat left vacant by unexpected death

Felton died unexpectedly at age 65 last month, just days after being reelected to the school board. Her District 7 seat has remained vacant since her death.

School leaders said they are putting out a call for applications to fill the vacancy and candidates will be interviewed by current board members.

The board will vote to appoint the new member in late January.

“I am hoping the next school board will bring their specific passion, but also their expertise,” said school board chair Monika Johnson-Hostler. “I think, for me, as a non-educator, I am really looking to see how many retired educators, whether that is teachers or administrators, who are also interested.”

Felton was a retired educator and had served on the school board since 2013.

Tuesday night, the school board also voted to extend Superintendent Jim Merrill's contract for an additional year, through June 2020. Merrill also recieved about $13,000 in a performance bonus and a salary increase.

Merrill was recently named North Carolina's Superintendent of the Year.

The school board also handed out early Christmas presents in the form of bonuses for non-certified staff including bus drivers and other workers who support schools. The bonuses run as high as $650, depending on how long a worker has held their position. The money comes fom the state and school system budget.