NORTHWEST ARKANSAS — A “slate” of three candidates was elected to the Eureka Springs School Board on Tuesday, ousting the school board president and another incumbent by substantial majorities.
The three candidates advertised together, saying the school year should start off with a “new slate.” On its Facebook page, the group emphasized being “open and inclusive.”
Each of the new school board members won by a margin of at least 66 percent.
They included Albert J. Larson, who defeated board President Charles “Rusty” Windle; Sam Kirk, who defeated board member Kristie L. Bunch-Drebenstedt; and Charles Templeton, who defeated David R. Blankenship and Tori Sue Bush.
Results for Position 1: Templeton . . . . . . . . . . . . . .458 Blankenship . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183 Bush . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Results for Position 2: Larson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 484 Windle. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .215
Results for Position 7: Kirk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 496 Bunch-Drebenstedt. . . . . .196
Terms do not expire this year on the seven-person board for members Robert McCormick, Tom Freehling, Karen Gros and Tom Winters.
Superintendent Wayne Carr said the district has hada stressful year that included personnel issues, cutbacks in funding and a battle with the state Department of Education over some $825,000 in property tax revenue. On Tuesday, Pulaski County Circuit Court Judge Tim Fox ruled that the department can’t keep the tax revenue raised in Eureka Springs and another district unless the Legislature enacts a law permitting it.
Also this year, voters approved a property tax increase to help fund a new $10.6 million high school building and work began on that building.
“I do not have a bone to pick with the existing school board,” Larson said. “I think they’ve done us very well.
...Hats off to them. They have served us well.”
Larson, who is a home builder, said the three “slate” members agree that excellence in education is the top priority. They also want to be responsive to the public and to provide a positive work environment in the schools.
Larson previously served on the School Board from 1994-97. He was board president in 1997.
“We just have been promoting a positive, open atmosphere,” said Kirk, who owns The Eureka Market, a health food store. “We’ve been encouraging pats on the back and encouragement throughout the district. We’ve wanted to engage the entire community. Involvement is a key component.”
Northwest Arkansas, Pages 12 on 09/22/2011