Dr. Cynthia Graves is stepping down from the Pflugerville ISD Board of Trustees.[/caption]

The Pflugerville Independent School District board of trustees faced a challenge when they accepted the resignation of Dr. Cynthia Graves last month. Not only would the board have to fill the vacant seat, but they would have to determine how to go about doing it; something they hadn’t had to do in at least 12 to 15 years according to Board President Vernagene Mott.

A special election was considered to fill the impending vacancy, and was discussed at length at Thursday’s board meeting. Ultimately, they decided an appointment process was the better fit, citing low voter turnout as well as costs associated with an election as reasons for their decision.

The board is considering former PfISD trustees who will not seek the seat during the next election to fill the position.

Graves has been a member of the board since 2006, serving as secretary for six of those years; she also owns a growing dental practice in Pflugerville. She submitted her resignation to the board, and it was accepted Aug. 18. According to Mott, the board has 180 days to fill the vacancy once the letter of resignation is accepted.

“As I expand treatment offered in my practice and, as my business grows, the demands on my time have grown,” said Graves. “My integrity prevents me from participating in board meetings without the proper preparation and participation in committees. The job is more than two meetings a month. And, when performed properly, requires more time than I am able to volunteer.”

Graves will continue to serve until an appointment is made.