Columbia Residents Cast Ballots in Exciting School Board Elections
Columbia, SC – November 6, 2024, was a day buzzing with excitement and anticipation in Lexington County as voters took to the polls to choose 18 school board candidates across five districts. With over 140,000 ballots cast, it was an impressive turnout that showed just how much the community cares about its schools and education.
A Splash of Rain to Start the Day
The weather was a bit unpredictable, as morning showers graced the skies, giving Columbia that cozy, rainy day feeling. With temperatures peaking at a comfortable 74°F, many residents managed to brave the wet conditions to exercise their democratic rights. However, as the afternoon approached, the clouds rolled in, and a chance of rain lingered at about 60%.
As evening fell, the forecast predicted cloudy skies with on-and-off rain showers expected after midnight. This meant voters could potentially return home wet but fulfilled after making their voices heard. The low was forecasted to hit around 66°F, making it a snug night for those who kicked back after a day of voting.
Lexington One Teams Up with New Faces
Now, let’s talk about how the races turned out! First up, in Lexington One, where four seats were available and two incumbents were on the ballot. The new faces joining the board will be Kathy Henson, Mike Anderson, McKenzie Flashnick, and Nicholas Pizzuti. It’s worth noting that Kathy Henson, an incumbent, led the charge with 15 percent of the vote, totaling 21,741 votes. Looks like the folks in Lexington One are ready for some new energy, while still valuing the experience of their incumbents!
New Leadership in Lexington Two
Meanwhile, in the Lexington Two district, voters also showed their commitment to education, electing Mary Burkett, Craig Aull, Abbott Tre Bray, and Liz Chitty Castles. Notably, Mary Burkett stood out with 17 percent, or 8,498 votes. With this new lineup, it will be interesting to see how they plan to tackle the educational challenges in the Cayce and West Columbia areas.
Encouraging Results in Lexington Three
Moving over to Lexington Three, where three incumbents successfully defended their seats against challengers. The winners here were Cynthia Etheredge, Stacey Derrick, Craig Caughman, and Sonya Winstead Cary. Cynthia Etheredge shined brightly in this race, garnering 27 percent of the votes and a total of 2,809 votes. Clearly, the voters were happy with continuity while still embracing some change!
Exciting Choices for Lexington Four
Over in the Lexington Four district, it was a tight race with six candidates vying for votes! But in the end, Lynne Fallaw, Sadie Wannamaker, Dennis Wilson, and Cindy Dibble came out on top. With such a diverse group, it looks like they are ready to tackle issues together!
Big Decisions for Lexington-Richland Five
Lastly, the Lexington-Richland Five district had a lot on their plate, including a bond referendum for $240 million for school building projects. Voters briskly opted for the enhancements, with 70 percent supporting the measure—a strong endorsement for investment in local schools!
Conclusion: A Future Bright with Possibility
As the rain continued into the night and the new board candidates settled in, Columbia residents had much to feel optimistic about. These elections highlighted the community’s commitment to shaping the future of education. It will be fascinating to watch how these newly elected officials will work towards bettering schools for all students!
