Polls open today in Fayetteville, Springdale school elections

Polling places in Springdale and Fayetteville open today at 7:30 a.m. for voting in the annual school elections.

A total 4,994 registered voters are eligible to vote in Springdale Zone 3 where veteran school board member Kathy McFetridge, 63, faces newcomer Henry "Pudder" Hudson, 45, for a five-year term on the board.

AT A GLANCE

Polling Places

Polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for annual school elections.

Fayetteville Zone 5

• Central United Methodist Church, 6 W. Dickson St.

• Wiggins Methodist Church, 205 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

• Christ’s Church, 525 W. 15th St.

Springdale Zone 3

Washington County voters:

• Elmdale Baptist Church, 1700 W. Huntsville Ave.

Benton County voters:

• Moose Lodge, 215 W. Apple Blossom Ave., Lowell

Source: Staff Report

McFetridge said she likes the different learning environments Springdale offers students, especially the new School of Innovation where students work at their own pace with a Chromebook laptop and a personalized learning plan.

Her opponent, Henry Hudson said he is excited as a parent that his son has learning opportunities that historically were only available in private education and the School of Innovation provides flexibility to students.

In Fayetteville, 6,287 voters are eligible to cast ballots in Zone 5 where incumbent Tim Hudson, 51, is opposed by Tim Hollis, 63, a former teacher who is suing the Fayetteville School District for wrongful termination.

Tim Hudson was president of the Fayetteville School Board when it upheld Hollis' firing by former Superintendent Vicki Thomas for insubordination and making defamatory statements; falsifying district documents; and inappropriate use of the district's email system.

Hollis appealed the board's decision to Washington County Circuit Court where a judge dismissed the case that claimed a breach of contract and violation of the Teacher Fair Dismissal Act. The case is on appeal to the Arkansas Court of Appeals.

Nine candidates in Elkins, Greenland, Farmington, Prairie Grove, Lincoln and West Fork are unopposed in their bids for school board seats. Those candidates had to receive at least one vote during the early voting period, which ended Monday, to be considered elected, according to state election laws. No polling places will be open today in those districts.

Springdale's 35,608 registered voters and Fayetteville's 50,935 registered voters are eligible to vote on continuing millage rates. In the other school districts, approval of the millage was decided during early voting. No change in millage rates in any Washington County school district was proposed.

NW News on 09/16/2014

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