Newton County voters will have a choice when they go to fill two seats on the Newton County School Board during the general election, Nov. 6.
Circuit Clerk Mike Butler announced in August the qualifying window was open for districts C and D and would remain open until Friday at 5 p.m. To meet the qualifying criteria set out by the state, candidates had to file a petition with at least 50 signatures from their district, which would be verified by Butler’s office. As of the Friday deadline, four candidates had successfully submitted their paperwork to be considered for the school board position.
For District D, candidates are Matthew Hitt and Josh Sanders, both of Little Rock. Both candidates are new to the school board.
Two candidates also qualified for District C, Marty McKee of Conehatta and incumbent and current secretary of the school board, Dewey “Mark” Savell of Lake.
Although the qualifying window has closed, candidates still have work to do before their names are secure on the November ballot. Under Mississippi law, once a candidate has qualified, they must submit a statement of economic interest to the state Ethics Commission within 15 days to remain eligible for the position.
Update: As of Tuesday, Sept. 11, Matthew Hitt has withdrawn his name from the District D race. The remaining candidates are Josh Sanders, District D, and Marty McKee and Dewey "Mark Savell" for District C.
