The Lucia Mar Unified School District is now accepting applications to fill a vacancy on the seven-member school board.

The opening was created when longtime board member Erik Howell resigned after being elected to the Pismo Beach City Council in November. He represented trustee area No. 4, which includes Grover Beach and Pismo Beach.

Interested applicants must live in one of those two cities and be a registered voter in the school district.

Applications can be picked up at the district office or accessed online at www.lmusd.org. They must be mailed or delivered to Superintendent Jim Hogeboom’s office at 602 Orchard St. in Arroyo Grande no later than noon on Jan. 16.

An informational meeting will be held Jan. 10 in the Judkins Middle School library, 680 Wadsworth Ave., starting at 5:30 p.m.

Board members are asked to be prepared to commit to a minimum of 15 to 20 hours a month, be available for board meetings, study sessions, visits to schools and other duties, according to a news release from the district.

School board members are eligible to receive a monthly stipend of $439.90 and health benefits (the same package that is available to district employees).

For more information, go to the district website or call 474-3000, ext. 1082.