Votes lean towards new candidates

MT. PLEASANT — After a busy election season, Henry County’s auditor released unofficial vote totals which suggest new members on multiple school boards for the county.

Angie Blint, Michael Hampton, Josh Maher, and Sarah Donnolly took contested seats on the Mt. Pleasant Community School District Board.

Mike McBeth beat out a large roster of candidates for a place on the New London Community School District Board.

Jesse Howard claimed a spot as the representative for parts of Henry County on the Southeastern Community College Board of Trustees.

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Mt. Pleasant Community School District Board

The MPCSD Board elections filled the ballot as every seat required re-election following redistricting this last year. With new seats for the board, seasoned board members along with new names appeared on the ballot with three contested races.

Angie Blint, current school board member, went head-to-head with Michael Hampton and Dana Millard for two At-Large four-year terms on the MPCSD Board.

According to the unofficial results from the auditor’s office, Blint will remain on the board joined by Hampton.

While Hampton is new to the school board, he is not new to education or even the Mt. Pleasant Community School District.

Hampton taught Government, European, and World History at Mt. Pleasant Community High School for 23 years, coached a variety of sports for over 20 years, and has served as an active member of the Mt. Pleasant community for just as long.

“I’m excited to be able to serve the people of the Mt. Pleasant Community School District,” Hampton commented the morning following the election. “I’ve been in education my whole life and I want to be able to continue to serve the kids, the staff, the administration and the voters of this district.”

An unofficial vote total of 735 for Josh Maher and 563 for Kevin Schrader means Maher will maintain a position on the board following the election.

Maher will hold a two-year term At-Large position.

While Maher beat out his competition for a seat, Kevin Sandersfeld did not fair as well at the polls as candidate Sarah Donnolly received 828 votes, Sandersfeld came in with 307 votes and Danny Graber received 268 for the MPCSD Director District 2 seat.

Donnolly made her passion and willingness to get involved readily apparent last year and early this year as she addressed concerns to the school board directly from a parent’s perspective multiple times.

She brought to the board’s attention concerns about negative environments for staff and students in the district and questioned the validity of the grade-alike schools the board wishes to pursue.

“Well we did it! Now the hard work really begins!” Donnolly posted to her MPCSD Board campaign Facebook page. “But first, I really have to say a huge Thank You to my family, friends, and the many people I spoke with over the last few months who supported me in countless ways!”

“I'd also like to thank the voters who placed their trust in me,” she continued. “Your confidence in my vision for our schools is deeply appreciated, and I am committed to working tirelessly to fulfill that trust.”

“Lastly, to thank all the other candidates who ran in this election,” Donnolly concluded. “I know your dedication to the district and I look forward to collaborating with you to make positive changes in our community. Together, we can achieve great things for our schools!”

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New London Community School District

Unofficial vote totals indicate that New London Community School District will also welcome a new board member following Tuesday’s election.

On the ballot incumbent Tasha Gipple faced fierce competition as she went up against four other candidates for the District II seat on the NLCSD Board.

The 215 votes cast for Gipple were not enough to keep her on the board. In fact, only one other candidate, Dana Cole, received fewer votes, 183.

Mike McBeth, however, pulled ahead of all other candidates with 332 votes.

While he will be new to the NLCSD Board, McBeth states he is not new to education.

McBeth will come to this position with 35 years of experience as a classroom teacher as well as experience as an activities director, mayor, and coach.

“Well, I guess I just couldn't stay away from being involved in education and hoping to make a difference for kids,” McBeth posted to social media following the release of the unofficial vote totals. “Last night I was voted in for a spot on the New London School Board. After all those years in the classroom and involved with athletics, I have found a new challenge to be a part of focusing on helping kids. As all my past teaching friends and former athletes know, sometimes my approach is a little different but I got results and I think earned respect along the way. So, here we go again, back to education I go.”

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Southeastern Community College (Merged Area XVI)

Three candidates, Mark Hempen, Jesse Howard, and Ryan Coop appeared on the ballot to represent the XVI area including parts of Henry County for the Southeastern Community College board of trustees.

While both Howard and Hempen blew the youngest candidate Ryan Coop’s 261 out of the water, Howard came out on top overall with 788 to Hempen’s 665 votes.

“I want to express my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for electing me as your representative for the SCC District 1 Board of Trustees,” commented on his campaign page following election night. “Your support and trust mean the world to me, and I am truly honored to have been chosen for this important role.”

Howard thanked his wife and children for their support. He also thanked his fellow candidates for running professional, honorable, fair, and respectful campaigns.

“I am eager and excited to serve the residents of Danville, Mt. Pleasant, and New London school districts,” he said. “TOGETHER we can build a brighter future for our children and communities. Once again, thank you for your trust and support. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to serve as your representative.”

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com