2 APPLY FOR SEAT ON MUROC BOARD.

Byline: Karen Maeshiro Staff Writer

NORTH EDWARDS - Two people have applied for the Muroc Joint Unified School District board seat vacated by trustee Julie English's resignation.

The two applicants are Scott Adkins and Derek Dewar, both residents of Boron and employees of U.S. Borax.

``I heard they had a spot open. I figured I could probably help them out,'' said Adkins, 42, who works as a safety supervisor. ``This is a great opportunity to help the future in Boron with the kids.''

Dewar could not be reached for comment.

The board will interview the candidates at a meeting Wednesday and is expected to make a selection that night. The person chosen will serve out English's term, which expires in 2004.

Superintendent Bertha Boullion said she will hold a board workshop for the two applicants on the day before the Wednesday meeting.

``We always have two board members there. They can ask the current board what it's like being on the board,'' Boullion said. ``It helps everyone get acquainted.''

English, who was elected in 2000 and was halfway though her first term, resigned in October without stating a reason. She held one of the two seats that must be filled by Boron residents.

Trustees decided to fill English's seat by appointment rather than hold a special election.

Muroc trustees are accustomed to dealing with board vacancies. The board has a high turnover rate because trustees are usually spouses of Edwards Air Force Base personnel, who are reassigned every few years.

The school board has to have two seats that must be filled by Edwards Air Force Base residents, two by residents from Boron, and one from North Edwards.