Clarkston Board of Education will have a new face as a result of last week’s election.
Kelli Horst was elected to the board, Nov. 4, with 7,315 votes, 24.71 percent of total votes cast.
“I’m gratified by the overwhelming support I received from parents, teachers and community members,” Horst said. “I admire anyone who, essentially, asks the public to judge his or her values, character and ideas. All of the candidates deserve the community’s thanks.”
According to unofficial counts, incumbent Trustee Elizabeth Egan was the top vote-getter in the election, receiving, 7,334 votes, 24.77 percent of the total.
“I’m overwhelmed, surprised,” Egan said. “I’m delighted so many put confidence in me.”
Voters see her as a person with integrity and board experience, she said.
“They know I care a lot about kids,” she said.
Horst, Egan, and incumbent Trustee Steve Hyer, who got 5,837 votes, 19.72 percent, were each elected to six-year terms on the Clarkston School Board.
“I am glad the community is pleased with my record of service over the last 13+ years,” Hyer said. “I will continue to put kids and our community first in every decision that comes before me.”
The board should immediately turn its focus to student achievement at our meetings, he said.
“We also need to deal with the needs of our staff members, our technology infrastructure needs, and finally our physical plant maintenance needs,” he said.
Horst said the community wants the board to honor the spirit of collaboration, pride and respect.
“I am already working toward becoming a certified board member through the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB),” she said, writing from their annual leadership conference in Grand Rapids where she was completing five of 10 first-level courses.
“I intend to complete the Level 1 certification before I take office in January,” she said.
Egan was also at the MASB conference last week, continuing her professional development as a board member.
Horst said she is looking forward to having lots of conversation and deliberation about what’s best for Clarkston students and taxpayers.
“I know my fellow board members will welcome me as part of the team, even if we have different opinions at the table,” she said. “Looking ahead to 2019 and 2021, I’m pretty excited I will get to participate in both of my sons’ graduation ceremonies during my term.”
Challenger Donald E. Deering received 4,811 votes, 16.25 percent, and incumbent board President Rosalie Lieblang got 4,246 votes, 14.34 percent.
“I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Clarkston Community School Board elects,” Deering said. “I am optimistic and hopeful that the elected board will work together in a cohesive, transparent and productive manner. I am further hopeful administration, teachers and support staff alike will feel empowered and recognized in their collective efforts to educate and shape our children.”
He said he was pleasantly surprised at the overall community support and ultimate turnout at the polls.
“I would also like to recognize Ms. Rosalie Lieblang for her years of service and dedication to our community and in particular, Clarkston Community Schools,” Deering said. “Although I did not envy her untenable position, I do respect her for making the sacrifices to serve our community to the best of her ability.”
The challenger said the division on the school board he saw during the campaign was unfortunate.
“Leading up to election day, it became clear to me that a real division was taking place and it began to feel more like a strategic ‘us versus them’ campaign,” he said.
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In other local races, Republican Tom Middleton won re-election to Oakland County Commission for the Fourth District, with 12,811 votes, 65.33 percent of the vote. Democrat Phillip Reid received 6,763 votes, 34.49 percent.
For the 43rd District of the State Legislature, Republican Jim Tedder took the seat with 18,661 votes, 58.02 percent. Democrat Dennis M. Ritter received 41.60 percent, 13,380 votes.
For state Senate, 12th District, Republican Jim Marleau won re-election with 57.15 percent, 50,116 votes. Democrat Paul Secrest got 37,067 votes, 42.27 percent.