Seven people who represent a variety of community interests -- including a former board member, retired school administrator, two university instructors and an engineer -- are vying to fill one open seat on the Cape Girardeau Board of Education.

The school board will interview the prospective candidates during its 6 p.m. meeting today at the Central Junior High School cafeteria.

Filing deadline was 3 p.m. Thursday. One candidate will be appointed to fill the vacancy left from David Goncher's resignation.

The candidates are Mary White, Lyman "Trae" Mitten, Melvin Gateley, Mark Strickland, Dr. Ferrell Ervin, Charles Haubold and Steve Trautwein.

There are two years remaining on the term for the open seat.

Goncher resigned from the school board Aug. 8, citing problems with the board's actions that he felt undermined its integrity and sincerity. At issue was the board's February decision not to renew a contract for then-principal Randie Fidler.

Dr. Bob Fox, school board president, hopes any controversy is now behind the board and that things can continue for the district's future.

The board has never conducted interviews for a vacancy before. In 1995, three board members resigned, prompting the Cape Girardeau County Commission to fill the seats, as required by law and district policy. When only one member resigns, the remaining board members can appoint someone to fill the vacancy.

"Everybody is going into this with an open mind," Fox said.

Openness is an obvious strength for the district, said Steve Trautwein, 58, who says his past work with school committees has been "the most satisfying work to me."

The biggest weakness is the financial problem facing the district, which will continue even with passage of bond issues and tax levies, he said.

"Working for the schools is the most important thing somebody could do," said Trautwein, who teaches in the biology department at Southeast Missouri State University.

A good institution'

Mark Strickland has been a supporter of the schools and wants to make sure his children have a strong education; that's why he chose to apply for the open seat.

Strickland, 31, said the curriculum is strong and that there is "a good institution in place," but with new buildings there needs to be more planning for upgrades and maintenance into the future.

As a mechanical engineer, Strickland believes he has some expertise that would be of benefit to the district in its long-range planning.

Melvin Gateley has already helped the district through one series of planning meetings and wants to help students "preparing for a good, quality life."

Gateley, 75, is a former administrator in the district and has served two terms on the Cape Girardeau City Council.

"It would be exciting to be on the board at this time. There are important decisions to be made, and I wanted to be part of that," he said.

The challenge of making the district fiscally sound and meeting the needs of students while retaining quality teachers interests Gateley. "We have great potential, which is another reason I want to be associated with the district."

The Southeast Missourian was unable to reach Haubold, Ervin, White and Mitten for comment.

Previous experience and association with the district doesn't necessarily give candidates an advantage, Fox said.

"They are all good people, and I'm sure they all would work hard," he said. "We're looking for someone with a sincere interest in what they are doing and somebody who might have experience dealing with the issues we face."

Superintendent Dr. Dan Steska said all the candidates are well qualified and making the selection "will be the difficult part for the board."

The board will spend about 15 minutes per interview, asking the same series of questions. A decision is expected by the Sept. 17 meeting.