MILL HALL — Following the Keystone Central School District Board of Directors failure to fill one of its vacated seats within 30 days, the Clinton County Court of Common Pleas has begun accepting letters of interest, as it looks to fill the vacancy.

The vacancy in Region IV (Wayne, Dunnstable and Pine Creek townships) opened when then-board member Jeff Johnston resigned on Jan. 1.

Since then, per state guidelines, the board had 30 days to appoint a candidate in the region to complete the remaining two years in Johnston’s term.

The board held interviews twice — once with a singular candidate — and another later in the month after two late-comers expressed interest in the position.

At a special meeting on Jan. 29, the board found itself at a stalemate in choosing between the three candidates: Kevin Ferrara, Jason Smith and Heather Yost. Ultimately it adjourned its special meeting without selecting a candidate, opening up the Court of Common Pleas to handle the appointment.

A court order issued by President Judge Craig Miller released Tuesday indicates the courts will be accepting letters of interest to be reviewed by the Court of Common Pleas to fill the Region IV vacancy.

According to court documents, two individuals — Ferrara and Smith — submitted petitions for consideration.

However, the court is also accepting letters of interest on top of these petitions.

“Any individuals from said district (Region IV) may submit a letter of interest to the Office of Court Administrator, Don M. Powers, District Court Administrator, Clinton County Courthouse, 230 E. Water St., Lock Haven, PA 17745,” the order issued by Judge Miller states.

Those interested have until 5 p.m. on Feb. 23 to be considered for the position.

“It is the intention of the court to interview all applicants and thereafter, issue an order appointing a school board director for Region IV of the Keystone Central School District,” the order reads.

According to court officials, it has not been determined whether Judge Miller or fellow common pleas Judge Michael Salisbury will preside over the interviews and make the determination.