One of three candidates for a seat on the Anne Arundel County school board has been disqualified by the county's nominating convention committee.
Michael Topper, 40, a sheet-metal worker from Severn, wanted to challenge board President Paul G. Rudolph for the seat he has held for five years.
"Mr. Topper lives in legislative District 32 and not legislative District 33," said Randy Landis, a member of the nominating convention's steering committee. "Therefore his nomination will not be presented to the convention."
Koh Herlong, a Crofton educator, is also seeking Rudolph's seat, which represents legislative District 33.
Members of the school board nominating convention will make their selection May 9, after three question-and-answer forums next month. They typically recommend two names to Gov. Parris N. Glendening, who makes the final decision - and is not bound by the convention's wishes.
The committee made the discovery regarding Topper after doing routine eligibility checks. Candidates must live in the district they are to represent, unless the seat is one of the three at-large positions on the board.
"He is disappointed, but he understands," Landis said of Topper