Small Town News

Two incumbents earn third terms on North Mason board

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North Mason School Board members Laura Boad and John Campbell will return for third terms after overwhelming victories in the Nov. 3 general election.

In the latest ballot count Nov. 5, Boad received almost 70 percent of the vote to defeat challenger Travis Couture. Campbell collected 62 percent of the vote to defeat Nancy C. Williams.

The next ballot count is scheduled for Nov. 23. The results are scheduled to be certified Nov. 24. Voter turnout was 40.6 percent.

The size of the wins show "an overwhelming confidence" in the performance of the two, Campbell said.

"I was very pleased because I think it's important that I get a clear signal from the community that we're doing the right things," he said.

The district's biggest challenge in the next year is finding a solution to the Theler Wetlands, Campbell said.

The Port of Allyn in August decided to withdraw its proposal to lease the Mary E. Theler Wetlands and Community Center in Belfair from the district.

The district has owned and operated the Theler Center since 1968, when Sam Theler willed the property to the school district.

The district is looking for an entity to take over operations and maintenance of the center to relieve the district of some financial burden.

The district needs to put money earmarked for teaching into the classrooms, "and part of that money is going to run a park," Campbell said.

"We need to figure out the best way to protect something of our heritage," he said.

The other challenge, one faced by many districts, is improving the test scores of students, Campbell said. He said he believes the district can be "into achieving something outstanding."

Boad bested Couture, who two years ago ran an unsuccessful campaign for the state senate representing the 35th District.

"I'm glad we can keep the momentum going," Boad said.

As for the district's biggest challenge, "Obviously it's the full funding from the state," Boad said. "We need it. We have to run a levy, and I hate to do that to our voters. They were so generous in passing the (building) bond."

Another challenge for the district is improving the academic progress, particularly at Belfair Elementary and Hawkins Middle School, she said.



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