Wilson County School Board member for Zone 2, Dr. Beth Meyers resigned from her position effective Tuesday, April 7, 2026.

State law (T.C.A. 5-1-104) requires the County Commission to appoint someone to fill the vacancy within 120 days, unless during that time, there is a general election scheduled in the county and there is enough time for a vacancy to be placed on the ballot. This appointment would be effective until August 31, 2026, with the next election taking place on August 6, 2026.

Notice of the vacancy and its date to be filled must be provided to each member of the County Commission. At this time, in accordance with the resignation letter, dated April 7, 2026, the first possible time to fill the vacancy, and allow for a 30 day public notice, would be during the May 18, 2026, County Commission Meeting.

Individuals nominated must be qualified voters and residents of Zone 2 in Wilson County and a Wilson County resident for one (1) year prior to the date of the qualifying deadline for running as a candidate for school board member of Wilson County Board of Education representing Zone 2 . Qualifications include:

Be a qualified voter of the county and a resident of the county for one (1) year prior to the date of the qualifying deadline for running as a candidate for the board of education (TCA §49-2-202 (a)(1));

- Shall reside within and be a qualified voter of the district represented. (TCA §49-2-201); and

- Shall file with the county election commission proof of graduation from high school or receipt of a GED, evidenced by a diploma or other documentation satisfactory to the commission. (TCA §49-2-202)

- No member of the county legislative body nor any other county official shall be eligible for election as a member of the county board of education. (TCA §49-2-202)

Individuals may submit names for consideration either in person at the County Commission Meeting or in writing to the County Mayor prior to the meeting. 

Individuals nominated must be residents of Wilson County School Board Zone 2 which consist of parts of County Commission Districts 7, 9, 12, 20, and 21.

The procedure for the night of the County Commission Meeting will be as follows: 

• Under Elections & Appointments on the agenda, the Commission will determine if they want to fill the vacancy in the month of May. Dr. Meyers resigned April 7, 2026 and the County Commission has 120 days to fill the vacancy which will need to take place during the May 18th County Commission meeting.

• If the Commission chooses to appoint a member during the May 18 meeting, we will go out of session to allow for public comment.

• During that time, the public will be allowed to suggest names to the Commission whom they would like to see serve on the Wilson County School Board representing Zone 2 until August 31, 2026 (the next general election to be held August 6, 2026).

• Once the public comment period is over, the Commission will return to regular session and review the suggested names from the public comment period. 

• The Commission will then begin making their nominations. Though the public suggestions will be recognized and considered, all official nominations must be made by County Commissioners. A County Commissioner can nominate an individual recommended by the public, providing the individual agrees, in writing, to serve if elected. A County Commissioner can, however, choose to nominate someone who was not suggested during public comment. Should a Commissioner nominate an individual not present during the meeting, the nominating Commissioner must provide a signed statement by the nominee that he/she is willing to serve. Nominations do not require a second. 

• Once nominations cease, from the floor, the nominated individuals will be given an opportunity to address the Commission. Nominees will be asked to make a brief statement about themselves and why they are seeking the position. Please note, only nominees nominated by a County Commission will be allowed to address the full Commission.

• Only members of the County Commission may vote for an individual to fill the vacancy. 

• It will take a majority of 13 votes to be elected. In the event of a tie between two or more individuals, the nominee with the lowest number of votes will be eliminated and a second vote will be taken. The process will continue until one individual receives 13 votes. 

• Once the vacancy is filled, the elected individual will serve until August 31, 2026 with the next general election being held on August 6, 2026.

By law, we must post the position for seven (7) days but we will post the position starting April 15, 2026 until May 13, 2026 (5 weeks). The position to consider will be placed on the County Commission agenda under Elections & Appointments on May 18, 2026. This, of course, is pending Steering Committee approval on May 7, 2026. Whoever is appointed by the Commission on May 18, 2026, will serve until August 31, 2026. The individual who wins the general election on August 6, 2026, will serve September 1, 2026 thru August 31, 2030.

For more information regarding running for this office outside of this vacancy appointment by the Wilson County Commission, please contact the Wilson Co. Election Commission at 615/444-0216.