Selecting Rugby School Board members by write-in has been a common theme in recent Rugby school elections, and this year is no exception.

There are two three-year board terms expiring this week, and both will need a write-in winner to be filled.

No one filed to run in Precinct No. 2, which includes the townships of Dewey, Ness, Walsh, Jefferson, Sandale, Elling, Girard, Hillside, Rosedale and Alexanter.

Nicholas Schmaltz has held the seat for three terms but has decided not to seek re-election. Candidates must live in one of those townships, and the seat is voted on at-large by district residents.

The other expiring term is in Precinct No. 4 (city of Rugby). Alecia Pretzer, who currently holds the seat, did not file. Steve Mueller did file, but withdrew. Mueller is an assistant track coach, and would have had to resign that post to be eligible to serve on the board.

This marks the fourth time in the past five Rugby elections a write-in candidate has been needed to fill a board seat. Two years ago Charles Volk was elected by write-in for Precinct No. 1; three years ago Pretzer was elected by write-in in Precinct No. 4; and four years ago Cory Johnson (Precinct No. 4) and David Anderson (Precinct No. 3) both were elected by write-in. They were re-elected last year.

If a term cannot be filled by a write-in, the school board can appoint someone to serve for one year. Then the position would again be up for election.

Voters will also be asked whether board minutes should be published in the official county newspaper – The Pierce County Tribune.

The election is this Tuesday, June 9, in the commons area adjacent to the Charles Hanneman Gymnasium at Rugby Jr.-Sr. High. Polls are open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Later that night, the Rugby School Board will meet and likely canvass and declare the election results.

On June 2, voters in the Rolette School District elected Richard Arstein to serve Area 1 and also approved the continuation of publishing minutes on the school’s website and newsletter. A total of 30 votes were cast, according to Ryan Lagasse, district business manager.

Leeds and Wolford will conduct school elections later this month.

The Leeds election will take place on Tuesday, June 16. There is just one three-year term up. It’s an at-large seat. Incumbent Brian Engstrom and challenger Kaye Nelsen have filed. District voters will also decide whether board minutes should be published in the official county newspaper – the Benson County Farmers Press. Polls will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the election is held at the Leeds school.

Earlier this year, Leeds district voters approved reorganizing some voting precincts, combining two into one and creating the at-large position.

Wolford’s election will be on Tuesday, June 23 the school. Two board terms are expiring, and both incumbents – Wayne Slaubaugh and Jeff Morrow – have filed for re-election. Voters will also decide whether minutes of the school board proceedings should be published in the official county newspaper – The Pierce County Tribune. Polls will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.