In a tight race across a wide field of candidates, the Orange County Schools Board of Education added two newcomers to its ranks on Tuesday: André Richmond and Anne Purcell.

Richmond, a school resource officer, earned the most votes of the race: 8,648 total votes and 19 percent of those cast. Purcell, who’s worked for more than 30 years in the school district, made a late push to take second place with 15.7 percent of the vote.

“I’m eager to start developing and instituting the key principals from my platform,” Richmond told Chapelboro. “Now is the time when the hard work and dedication begin and I look forward to working with my fellow board members, community members, faculty and staff as we create positive change — and give our students and teachers the quality school district they deserve.”

The races two incumbents, Will Atherton and Sarah Smylie, each earned re-election on Tuesday as well. Atherton trailed Purcell by just 13 votes for third, while Smylie claimed 15.1 percent of the vote. It will be both Atherton and Smylie’s second terms on the board.

Each incumbent shared a statement with Chapelboro about their re-elections.

“My family and I thank [the voters,]” wrote Atherton, “and we are so grateful for your kind words and support throughout my re-election campaign. We saw familiar faces and were thrilled to meet so many new members of our diverse, robust community! I am looking forward to continuing to serve our students, teachers, staff, families, and community!”

“I am so honored to keep supporting the incredible Orange County Schools community in our collective efforts to help every single student learn and thrive,” wrote Smylie.

Ashley Wheeler, who earned 14.2 percent of the vote, was left in fifth place. Penny Carter King finished with 12.7 percent, Bethni Lee finished with 5.7 percent and Garen McClure, who pulled out the race early, finished with 1.3 percent.

The race was described as many in the Orange County community as a tense one throughout the election cycle. Following increased animosity at school board meetings during 2020 and 2021 regarding public health protocols, LGBTQ-related books offered in the school libraries and other items, some voters described the election as critical for the future of the district. Chair of the Orange County Schools Board of Education Carrie Doyle penned an opinion column outlining how she believed voters had equity and diversity on the ballot.

Each of Richmond, Purcell, Atherton and Smylie will serve four-year terms on the school board.

 

Photo via WTOC.

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