HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) – Two Huntsville City School Board candidates celebrated clear victories Tuesday night, while two more head into a runoff.
District Two Candidate Beth Wilder snagged 59 percent of the vote against Richard Buchanan’s 41 percent. At a victory celebration, Wilder was overcome by the contributions of her friends, family, and campaign team, as well as the voters who propelled her to a big win.
“My team has just been wonderful out every weekend doing all they can to help me get elected,” said Wilder. “Regardless of whether someone voted for me or not, I am here as your school board representative and I’ll represent everybody and I look forward to it. ”
Wilder has a long history of involvement with the school district. Her face is seen at almost every school board meeting, and four years ago she founded the After School Enrichment Program at Blossomwood Elementary school.
Once she takes her seat on the board, Wilder wants to continue her outreach to parents in the community.
“I want to set up rotating meetings in the community at each school so I can continue to be that source of accurate information and parents can know what’s going on and be confident in where we’re going.”
Across town in District Four, Walker McGinnis celebrated a victory he has been after for years. It was his third campaign for the seat.
“If you look around this room you’ll see people who have been with me for three campaigns, and that speaks volumes. I am so thankful to have them,” said McGinnis.
Superintendent Casey Wardynski stopped by to congratulate McGinnis on his win.
Both say they have a lot to learn once they’re officially on the board, but they’re ready to contribute to the continuing improvement of Huntsville City School district.
“I want to get involved with what’s going on and help make some decisions and check things out and work with the superintendent and my fellow board members and keep this school system on the right track,” said McGinnis.
While he has a clear vision in mind, he says he wants to withhold any plans until he gets on the other side.
“What looks to be important as a non-board member, when you become a member might change,” McGinnis explained.
In south Huntsville’s District 3, Elisa Ferrell and Anson Knowles are headed into an October 7th runoff. They snagged, respectively, 30 percent and 24 percent of the votes among the five candidates. See election results here.
The board member-elects will take office in November.
