SUSSEX COUNTY – Incumbents did not fare well May 12 as voters in western and central Sussex County school districts favored new board of education members in annual school board elections.
In Laurel, Lois Hartstein was a landslide winner, defeating incumbent L. Edward Jestice Jr., while Kathryn Kimpton was the winner in the Seaford district’s three-candidate race.
The winner in Woodbridge’s election was Willie L. Savage II, who drew 184 votes to 26 for Alice Jeanne Matsinger. Mr. Savage will take the board seat held by Edith P. Vincent, a two-term board member who did not seek re-election.
“I am really humbled by the fact that the residents of the district put their trust in me in such a fashion. I’m blown away,” said Mr. Savage.
Ms. Kimpton will assume the seat held by first term board member Richard Kingree, who did not seek re-election. She received 188 votes in outpolling Richard Williams (103) and Douglas Collins (82) for the five year board term.
“Together we can make a difference in our school system and regain the trust in our public schools,” Mrs. Kimpton said. “I ask everyone to step up to improve our schools. Start with your own children: be involved with their schoolwork, turn off the television and make homework a priority. Ask about their day. Read with your children and celebrate their academic accomplishments as much as you do their athletic ones.”
Ms. Hartstein outpolled Mr. Jestice 223-64.
“It is a five year commitment and I plan on taking that very seriously,” said Mrs. Hartstein. “I am looking forward to the challenges that we have in Laurel. I think that my experience both professionally and personally and can lend some help in that way, analyzing things and evaluating situations. I think the numbers did speak for themselves – the people are looking for some changes.”
Two board seats up for vote in the Delmar district were claimed by Gregory Cathell and Jason Robert Coco.
Mr. Coco edged current board member Charles S. Smith 290-285 to secure the five year board term while Mr. Cathell received 269 votes in outpolling Wayne Moore (147), Jeffrey Fleetwood Sr. (91) and Phillip Thompson (72) to claim the three year board term.
Indian River School District’s District 4 seat that carries a three year term was retained by longtime board member Charles M. Bierley, who outpolled Harold Walters 552-460.
“I would like to thank everyone who supported me. It was an interesting day and I am sort of relieved,” said Mr. Bireley, in his 32nd year serving on Indian River’s board. “I look forward to serving the next three years. I think Indian River has a great district. We are very, very competitive statewide. Our test scores are great. We will continue to try to improve on those.”
Once he’s on board in July, Mr. Savage says he’ll promote improved parent/teacher relations and increased parental involvement.
“What can parents and students do at home to reinforce the lessons that are taught in the classroom,” Mr. Savage said. “And we want to make sure every student is taking advantage of the things the district has to offer.”
All board terms begin July 1, 2009.
News Editor Glenn Rolfe can be reached at 629-5505 or grolfe@newszap.com.
Click on “Reply” to express your views about this story.
Current time is 11:25 am
Click here to read our Policies & Disclaimers.
Click here to go to the Newszap.com home page
