NORWICH – Voting in a replacement board member is not always an easy task – especially when both candidates are qualified and willing to take the position, and the school board can’t reach a majority decision.

Norwich School board members found out how tough filling a vacancy can be Tuesdsay night following two interviews and two votes that after more than an hour, still left the seat unfilled. Seeking to fill a vacancy left by the departure of Catherine Stewart, candidates Don Chirlin and Tim Brown led the board to a first split vote of 2-2. Board members joked with the candidates, offering them a split seat and asked if it were possible for two new members to come aboard. District Deputy Superintendent Margaret Boice referred to the voting result as an “interesting coinky-dink.”

Upon arrival of a fifth board member, a second interview was conducted, a vote of 3 to 2 was reached, but since a majority result was not reached, the issue was tabled until the arrival of a sixth board member.

Trying to keep pace in the full agenda in store for the rest of their reorganization meeting, the board proceeded forward. Following nominations and further voting, Robert Patterson was elected to take over as board president and Clyde Birch was elected to serve as vice president.