Fountain, Colorado, September 6, 2025
News Summary
El Paso County School District 8 has canceled its Board Director Election due to only two candidates, Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez, submitting nominations for two available positions. This decision, made in accordance with Colorado law, simplifies the electoral process for the school board this year. Following the cancellation, Kimball and Martinez will be elected by acclamation and are required to take an oath of office before participating in Board meetings. The community’s engagement in future elections may play a crucial role in ensuring diverse candidates come forward.
Fountain, Colorado – El Paso County School District 8 Cancels Board Election
El Paso County School District 8, situated within the Fountain-Fort Carson School District, has officially canceled its Board Director Election after determining that only two candidates had submitted their nominations. As a result, Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez will be declared the elected candidates by acclamation. This decision was formalized on August 27, 2025, in accordance with state law.
Under Colorado law (Colo. Rev. Stat. sect. 1-5-208(1.5)), school boards have the authority to cancel elections when there are not more candidates than the available positions. In this case, there are two offices of school director to be filled, and only Kimball and Martinez met the required nomination criteria by submitting their petitions with enough valid signatures.
The deadline for assessing the number of candidates for the election was August 29, 2025. With no additional individuals stepping forward, the Board of Education proceeded with a resolution to cancel the election. The publicly announced outcome was reported on September 3, 2025, by Shiona Nash, the Board Secretary, and was subsequently published in The Gazette on September 5, 2025.
Next Steps for Newly Elected Directors
As per the protocol, the designated election official is responsible for providing Kimball and Martinez with certificates of election. Following the receipt of these certificates, both candidates are required to take the oath of office within 10 days. Once the oath is taken, they will be authorized to participate in meetings of the Board of Education, assuming their roles officially.
Context and Implications
The cancellation of the election returns focus to the functioning of the Board of Education, which plays a vital role in overseeing educational policies and decisions within the district. This move reflects a streamlined approach due to the lack of contested nominations, thereby simplifying the electoral process for the board this year.
While board elections are typically competitive, this occurrence highlights a noteworthy aspect of local governance where stakeholders might not have been aware of the nomination process or the significance of participating in local elections. The turnout and engagement levels among constituents may be areas of concern for the Board going forward.
The next Board meeting, where Kimball and Martinez will assume their positions, is anticipated to foster discussions on strategic plans and educational initiatives for the Fiscal Year ahead. Both school directors are expected to contribute their insights and lead effective governance for the benefit of students and the community at large.
Conclusion
As El Paso County School District 8 moves forward with its new board members, community members will be following closely to see how these developments impact the educational landscape in Fountain-Fort Carson. The engagement of residents in the electoral process will be essential in ensuring that future elections can include a broader array of candidates.
FAQ
Why was the election for the Board of Education canceled?
The election was canceled because there were only two candidates, Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez, to fill two available positions. Under Colorado state law, elections can be canceled when there are not more candidates than open positions.
What happens next for the elected candidates?
Loretta Kimball and Shirley Martinez must take an oath of office within 10 days of receiving their certificates of election before they can participate in meetings of the Board of Education.
How can the community engage in future elections?
The community can engage in future elections by staying informed about the nomination process, encouraging candidates to run, and participating in voting. Active involvement culminates in a more representative Board of Education that reflects the community’s values and needs.
Key Features of El Paso County School District 8 Board Election
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Fountain-Fort Carson School District |
| Candidates | Loretta Kimball, Shirley Martinez |
| Election Date | November 4, 2025 |
| Cancellation Date | August 27, 2025 |
| Statutory Authority | Colorado State Law (Colo. Rev. Stat. sect. 1-5-208(1.5)) |
| Oath of Office Deadline | Within 10 days after certificate receipt |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Gazette: Cancellation of School Board Election
- El Paso Times: Candidates Running in May 3 Elections
- El Paso Times: What to Know for Upcoming Elections
- Wikipedia: El Paso County School District 8
- Google Search: El Paso County School Board Elections
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
