Johnna Pinholster
VALDOSTA — Both Debra Bell and Christopher Brandon will head back to the polls in a runoff for the Valdosta Board of Education’s Superward East District 7 seat.
Bell received 37.89 percent of the total vote, or 410 votes, and Brandon received 34.1 percent of the total vote, or 369 votes.
Neither candidate received the 50 percent plus one vote required by state law to avoid a runoff, which will be held Dec. 1. Early voting information will be announced at a later date.
Candidate Chris Burgman received 27.45 percent of the total vote, or 297 votes.
Bell said she is aware campaigning for a runoff will be even harder than working on a regular election.
“People don’t like to come back a second time,” she said.
Brandon said he plans to continue working hard to get his name and platforms out there in the weeks before the runoff.
“I’m still working hard. I definitely want this seat so I can help benefit Districts 1, 2 and 4,” Brandon said.
At-Large
Jeana Beeland was re-elected to the Valdosta Board of Education’s At-Large seat with 74.8 percent of the total vote, or 2,301 votes.
She beat out Thomas Smoot, who had 759 votes, or 24.67 percent of the total vote.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve again,” she said.
Beeland said she plans to see the system continue to increase the graduation rate, improve technical education and make sure all children have an opportunity to progress.
District 8
With 88.3 percent of the total vote, or 1,751 votes, Kelly Wilson defeated Dr. Chassitty Loving for the Valdosta Board of Education Superward West District 8 seat. Loving received 227 votes or 11.45 percent of the total vote.
“I’m thrilled at the turnout and that voters had so much confidence and faith in me,” Wilson said. “I’m looking forward to some big thing happening for the city school system.”
District 4
Dean Rexroth retained his District 4 seat on the Valdosta Board of Education, defeating Micah Hollimon with 59.21 percent of the total vote, or 225 votes. Hollimon received 40 percent of the total vote, or 152 votes.
“It feels very good to have the percentage that I have,” he said. “I am a little disappointed in the overall vote count, but I realize it’s a small election.”
Rexroth said he was excited about moving forward with the work in the school system.
“While I was out walking the neighborhoods, folks reiterated that we’ve got work to do,” he said.
Military, absentee, and provisional ballots remain outstanding. Tuesday’s election results will remain unofficial until certified by the Lowndes County Board of Elections Friday.
