NORWICH – Voting in a replacement board member is not always an easy task – especially when both candidates are qualified and willing to take the position, and the school board can’t reach a majority decision.

Norwich School board members found out how tough filling a vacancy can be Tuesdsay night following two interviews and two votes that after more than an hour, still left the seat unfilled. Seeking to fill a vacancy left by the departure of Catherine Stewart, candidates Don Chirlin and Tim Brown led the board to a first split vote of 2-2. Board members joked with the candidates, offering them a split seat and asked if it were possible for two new members to come aboard. District Deputy Superintendent Margaret Boice referred to the voting result as an “interesting coinky-dink.”

Upon arrival of a fifth board member, a second interview was conducted, a vote of 3 to 2 was reached, but since a majority result was not reached, the issue was tabled until the arrival of a sixth board member.