Columbia Residents Cast Their Votes in School Board Elections
Columbia, SC – On November 5, voters in Lexington County took to the polls to select 18 school board candidates to fill open seats across five school districts. This election saw over 140,000 ballots cast, illustrating a strong community engagement in local education governance.
Results by District
In the Lexington One district, which serves the central Lexington area, four seats were up for grabs. The results revealed a mixed bag, with the incumbents managing to secure their positions along with two newcomers. The winners were:
- Kathy Henson (Incumbent) – 15% (21,741 votes)
- Mike Anderson (Incumbent) – 11% (15,933 votes)
- McKenzie Flashnick – 12% (17,462 votes)
- Nicholas Pizzuti – 11% (16,465 votes)
Moving on to Lexington Two, which covers the Cayce and West Columbia area, the election produced four winners among a crowded field of candidates. Those elected include:
- Mary Burkett – 17% (8,498 votes)
- Liz Chitty Castles (Incumbent) – 14% (7,117 votes)
- Craig Aull – 13% (6,845 votes)
- Abbott Tre Bray (Incumbent) – 13% (6,572 votes)
Meanwhile, the Lexington Three district, serving the Batesburg-Leesville area, had three incumbents fighting for their positions. The new board will include:
- Cynthia Etheredge – 27% (2,809 votes)
- Stacey Derrick (Incumbent) – 21% (2,196 votes)
- Craig Caughman (Incumbent) – 20% (2,142 votes)
- Sonya Winstead Cary (Incumbent) – 18% (1,921 votes)
Gaston and Swansea Elects New Talent
Lexington Four, an area that encompasses Gaston and Swansea, also held its elections with six candidates on the ballot. Newly elected members include:
- Lynne Fallaw (Incumbent) – 22% (2,395 votes)
- Sadie Wannamaker (Incumbent) – 17% (1,846 votes)
- Dennis Wilson – 16% (1,756 votes)
- Cindy Dibble – 15% (1,689 votes)
Bond Referendum in Irmo and Chapin
The Lexington-Richland Five district, which includes areas from both Lexington and Richland counties, not only voted on school board members but also on a significant bond referendum. This referendum aimed to approve the issuance of $240 million in bonds for school construction projects. The results were quite decisive:
- Yes: 70% (34,483 votes)
- No: 29% (14,702 votes)
The election marked a significant moment for education in Lexington County, with community members expressing their priorities and values through their voting choices. With fresh faces joining the incumbents, the school district boards can expect a diverse set of perspectives as they approach the challenges of the current educational landscape.
Conclusion
As the dust settles on this election, the impacts of these decisions will be felt throughout the community. Parents, students, and teachers alike will watch closely how the new and returning school board members address the needs and challenges within the local educational system. The participation of over 140,000 voters indicates that residents are keenly interested in shaping the future of education in Lexington County.
For real-time updates and further coverage of the impacts of these elections, residents are encouraged to stay tuned to local news sources.
