Branch community college board; local option.

A. A majority of the local board of education or the combined boards of education acting as a single board may cease to operate as the branch community college board and provide for an elected branch community college board. In that event, the majority of the local board of education or the combined boards of education acting as a single board shall elect five persons as members of the branch community college board. Board members shall be qualified electors and residents of the branch community college district. The members of the board shall continue to serve until the next regular local election, at which time five board members shall be elected by the qualified electors of the branch community college district. The candidates shall file for and be elected to a particular position number. At the first board meeting after the election, the five members shall draw lots for the following terms: two for terms of two years and three for terms of four years. Thereafter, board members shall be elected for terms of four years. All vacancies caused in any other manner than by the expiration of the term of office shall be filled by appointment by the remaining members. B. Immediately after the election of the five members by the assembled board of education members, the board shall select from its members a chair and secretary who shall serve in these offices until the next regular local election. In January after each regular local election, the members shall proceed to reorganize. C. The duties of the board shall continue as set out in Chapter 21, Article 14 NMSA 1978.