Wanted: Volunteer. Must be willing to work long hours for little pay. Civic mind and open heart for children required.

Though they may not be placing a help wanted ad, Rock Hill School District leaders are looking for someone to step up to the challenge of joining the school board, though it may put the individual in the hot seat of an embattled board.

The district has a vacant seat on its five-member board after renowned sports legend Carl Large died last week. Large was re-elected last November but any appointed replacement will only serve until November, when the position is put back on the ballot. At that time, someone can run for the unexpired term.

“We would like to receive letters of interest from Rock Hill residents interested in serving on the school board,” Superintendent Lloyd Evans said.

The remaining board members will review the applicants and likely appoint someone within 30 days, Evans said. The next board meeting is 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Rock Hill Child Development Center.

If the board cannot agree, the task falls to Lawrence County Probate Judge David Payne.

“It takes a great deal of time. It should be someone community-oriented with time available. Essentially, it is a volunteer position,” Evans said. “They are volunteering their time to work on matters of interest to the school. It needs to be someone open minded, who listens to all sides and tries their very best to do what they think is right for the benefit of the children, the employees and the school district.”

Anyone interested should send a letter of interest to Evans at: The Rock Hill Board of Education, 2325A County Road 26, Ironton, OH 45638.

The Rock Hill board has faced membership problems in recent months. The case is pending that three board members were removed from office last year in a lawsuit filed by the citizens group Citizens Against Poor Spending (CAPS).

Board members Lavetta Sites, Paul R. Johnson and Wanda Jenkins have contested that jury verdict. The matter is pending in the Ohio 4th District Court of Appeals.