The number of candidates vying for the open Oktibbeha County Circuit Clerk office has increased to five after a local teacher qualified on Monday.
Stephanie Snyder, who teaches at Millsaps Career and Technology Center, is the fifth candidate to officially qualify for the non-partisan special election for circuit clerk that will be held on Nov. 7.
Snyder, 46, lives in Sturgis and is a lifelong resident of Oktibbeha County. She graduated from Starkville Academy in 1989 and holds a bachelor's degrees in Office Systems and Technology, a bachelor's degree in Technology Teacher Education and a master's in Institutional Technology from Mississippi State University.
"As a lifetime resident of Oktibbeha County, I've developed personal and professional relationships with county and city residents," Snyder told the SDN on Monday. "I understand their needs and concern for professionalism in the office.
Synder has taught in the Starkville-Oktibbeha Consolidated School District for 15 years and worked for 10 years at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine prior to beginning her teaching career with the school district.
Her resume includes teaching 8th grade Computer Discovery for seven years in addition to teaching Introduction to Engineering and Design.
This will be Snyder's first attempt at running for public office.
Other candidates competing for the circuit clerk seat include: Starkville Municipal Court Administrator Tony Rook, MSU Receiving coordinator Teresa Davis, Oktibbeha County Election Deputy Clerk Sheryl Elmore and MSU Administrative Assistant Elaine Boykin Turner.
The circuit clerk position was vacated by Glenn Hamilton, who stepped down after pleading guilty in Clay County Circuit Court to felony possession of methamphetamine.
Former Circuit Clerk Angie McGinnis currently serves in the role in an interim capacity and has no plans to run for the office.