Madison County school board remains intact as chair Blevins, members Ray and Wyatt win

The Madison County Board of Commissioners' three Democrats were ousted by Republicans Nov. 8, but the county's school board maintained its Democratic majority.

The school board's three incumbent members, board Chair Karen Blevins and members Barbara Edmonds Wyatt and Keith Ray all earned reelection.

Blevins was reelected and received 5,149 votes, or 51.9% of votes, as she outpaced Republican challenger Melissa Sluder, who received 4,780 votes, or 48.1% of votes.

Blevins said the election results were very important, as they solidified the voters' trust in the board.

"It has shown that the county has trust in us and believes that we're trying to do the best for our children, and our teachers and our schools," Blevins said. "This win is very important. We will keep working toward going in a positive direction. There are things that we still need to do, and we will work at them day by day."

Blevins said the board will aim to establish a strong partnership with the county commission.

"I feel like they'll want the schools to be the best they can be, because our kids deserve that," Blevins said. "I feel like we'll have a good working relationship."

Blevins said she wished "to thank everyone for their support and their hard work through this election."

"We will go forward and keep doing the best we can for our kids, our teachers and our county," said the board chair.

In the defeat, Sluder implored parents to become more active in the school board meetings.

"I am thankful to God for the opportunity and the freedom to run for a public office that is near to my heart," Sluder said. "The school board is responsible for ensuring that our kids are educated and I saw a need that fell short. I encourage each parent to become involved.

"I appreciate every person that took their time to encourage me and vote for me. I am thankful for every prayer that was spoken on my behalf. I will continue to attend board meetings, speak out and shed a light on things that are not right. We are living in the last days where good will be called evil and evil will be called good."

District 01

In District 01, Wyatt (2,774 votes, or 53.3%) defeated Vickie Ann Hollifield, who received 2,429 votes, or 46.7% of votes.

Wyatt said she was "glad the race is over" as she hadn't slept in the three nights leading up to the election.

"I tried to just stay positive and hope that the voters in Madison County believed in what we had done, and would continue to support us, and they did," Wyatt said. "I just firmly believe that they believed in us and liked what we're doing and have done, and wanted to stay with the current board.

"I'm so thankful that the voters in Madison County elected our school board back. It means a lot to me."

Hollifield congratulated Wyatt on the win and thanked her voters in the defeat.

"I want to express my gratitude first and foremost to the Lord for all he has done for me," Hollifield said. "I also want to say thank you to all of you who have prayed for and supported me through this campaign. I can't tell you how grateful I am for everything you all have done. I would like to congratulate Barbara Edmonds Wyatt on her win."

District 02

In District 02, Monica Buckner Olnhausen received 2,191 votes, or 46.63% of votes, slightly more than 300 fewer than Keith Ray, who received 2,508 votes, or 53.3% of votes.

"I want to say thank you to my Lord and savior most of all," Buckner-Olnhausen said. "I would also like to say thank you to my family, friends, party members and everyone who came out and supported me. I got to meet some amazing people and made a lot of new friends. This has been an amazing journey. I would like to congratulate Keith Ray for his win."

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: School board remains intact as chair Blevins, Ray and Wyatt win