Scott Wilk’s election to the Assembly in November opened a seat on the Santa Clarita Community College District (i.e., College of the Canyons) Board of Trustees.

The college is looking for a replacement. Applications are being accepted through Jan. 2 to fill the vacancy.

The four remaining board members will sift through the applications and appoint a successor.

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The board could have put the position out to a vote immediately, but a special election would have cost tens of thousands of dollars. Instead it will appoint someone to fill the seat until the next regular COC board election in November 2013.

Wilk had three years left on his latest term when he left for the Assembly, but by law, an appointee can’t hold office for more than 18 months.

If the appointee decides to try to keep the job, he or she would have to run for a two-year post in November 2013, and the seat would come up for a vote again in November 2015 when Wilk’s term would have expired. The board seat itself stays on its established four-year rotation.

Registered voters who live within the 367-square-mile boundaries of the Santa Clarita Community College District are eligible to apply. Paperwork must be received at the district office by Wednesday, Jan. 2, at 5 p.m. Interviews will be conducted from Jan. 10 to Feb. 1.

Interested persons should contact the chancellor’s office at 661-362-5400 or send email to trusteevacancy@canyons.edu.