Members of the Orange County Board of Education voted on Monday to appoint Dr. Millicent Rainey to fill the seat on the board left vacant when Lawrence Sanders resigned.

Dr. Rainey will hold the seat until July 1, 2016, according to a release. At that point, the winner of the March 15 primary will take office.

The release says Dr. Rainey retired after working in school system and was a member of the Community Visioning and Engagement Committee.

Board Chair Donna Coffey said in the release:

“Dr. Rainey, an Orange County native and graduate of Orange County Schools, has a longstanding dedication to all children. Her passion for public education will allow her to be a tremendous asset to the Board of Education as we move forward in our commitment of making Orange County Schools the first choice for families, teachers and staff.”

The board has also formally begun accepting applications to fill the seat left vacant by Dr. Debbie Piscitelli.

By law, to be eligible to serve as a member of the Orange County Board of Education, an applicant must have resided within the Orange County School System administrative unit for 30 days prior to the appointment, must be 21 years of age and must not be a felon or otherwise constitutionally disqualified.

All candidates interested are asked to submit a letter of interest and resume to, Dr. Todd Wirt, Superintendent Orange County Schools, 200 East King Street, Hillsborough, NC, 27278.

Applications must be in by five o’clock the evening of January 29.