Angie McMurry, Cindy Dillard and Kyle Thompson were elected as new members of the Tipp City schools board of education according to unofficial Election Night results Nov. 7 from the Miami County Board of Elections.

In the race for three seats on Tipp City Council, unofficial totals showed Kathryn Huffman, John Kessler and Logan Rogers as the winners.

In other votes, the Tipp City Schools emergency levy renewal was approved, as was the Tipp City Public Library levy renewal.

McMurry, Dillard and Thompson were among seven candidates who sought the board seats in a campaign whose themes included returning the board of education’s focus to the students and away from personalities following at times contentious board meetings the past few years. They will join Amber Drum and Rick Mains on the board in January.

In the school board race, unofficial totals showed McMurry with 3,410 votes (22.61 percent); Dillard with 2,668 (17.69 percent); Thompson with 2,500 (16.58); David Moorhead, 1,771 (11.74 percent); Ray Leo Lilly III, 1,741 (11.54 percent); Linda Ares, 1,716 (11.38 percent); and Joshua Grear, 1,276 (8.46 percent).

“Thank you to the Tipp City Community! I am humbled and honored by the trust you have placed in me. While the results are not yet final, I pledge to serve as a member of the Tipp City Board of Education with the best interests of the students, staff, administrators and community in mind,” McMurry said. “When the results are final, I look forward to serving with Cindy Dillard and Kyle Thompson, as well as learning from the leadership of Amber Drum and Rick Mains.”

Dillard said, “I am so grateful for the overwhelming support shown at the polls today. It is truly an honor to be elected. I have met so many people during this campaign. The tremendous interest in this election clearly indicates that education is a top priority in our community. Giving back to this community has been my focus throughout the campaign and it is my hope that I will surpass your expectations; everyone that voted for me as well as those that did not.”

Thompson said he was “excited by the results” and looking forward to serving the “great community.”

He said the election brought a “special team” to the board of education. “I am looking forward to the next four years doing what we can for Tipp City,” Thompson said.

In the council race, unofficial totals showed Huffman with 2,036 (23.51 percent); Kessler with 1,475 (17.03 percent); Rogers with 1,441 (16.64 percent); Will Roberts, 1,401 (16.18 percent); Leslie Budding, 1,351 (15.60 percent); and Mike McFarland, 957 (11.05 percent).

"I am honored by the overwhelming support and vote of confidence from the residents of Tipp City in my re-election to City Council," Huffman said Tuesday night. "I look forward to serving another term representing the citizens with integrity and accountability. My congratulations to John Kessler and Logan Rogers. I look forward to working together.”

Rogers, a former council member, asked to thank those who worked at the board of elections during a long Election Day. “I love this town,” he said, adding, “I look forward to being on council.”

Roberts congratulated Huffman, Rogers and Kessler. "I want to thank the citizens of Tipp City for participating in the democratic process and for their engagement in this election. Your passion for our community's well-being is a testament to the strength of our city and democracy," Roberts said. "Although the outcome was not what we had hoped for, I remain committed to the betterment of our city. I will continue to be involved in our community, advocating for the issues I believe in and supporting initiatives that will improve the lives of our fellow residents."

The Tipp City schools request for renewal of a 9.98-mill, seven-year emergency operating levy was approved 4,271 (65.59 percent) to 2,241 (34.41 percent).

"On behalf of Tipp City Schools, I want to thank voters for supporting the renewal levy that makes a significant difference in the quality of education we provide for our students. The outcome is a commitment to our kids, the community and the trajectory of our district," said Superintendent Aaron Moran. "With the community’s continued support, we can work to ensure that our schools get stronger, offering the best possible opportunities for our children to learn and grow. Together, we are building a brighter future for students and Tipp City."

The Tipp City Public Library’s request for renewal of its 0.75-mill, five-year levy was approved 4,832 (74.49 percent) to 1,655 (25.51 percent.).

“The Tipp City Public Library is incredibly grateful for the levy support we have received from the community we proudly serve. Thank you!” said Lisa Santucci, library director.

In the race for Bethel Township trustee, unofficial votes listed Kama Dick with 1,004 (51.78 percent) and incumbent Donald Black with 935 (48.22 percent).

Bethel Township fiscal officer votes showed Rhonda Ross with 943 (52.77 percent) to 844 for incumbent Deborah Watson (47.23 percent).

In the races for Bethel Local Schools Board of Education seats, Andy Vieth received 1,769 (60.29 percent) to Megan Black-Striley with 1,165 (39.71 percent) for one seat.

The other race featured four candidates for two seats with the following unofficial results: Regan Butler, 1,895 (33.54 percent); Jackie Leskowich, 1,835 (32.48 percent); incumbent Lori Sebastian, 1,318 (23.33 percent); and Kerry Pahal, 602 (10.65 percent).

The board of elections will conduct its official canvass of the vote Nov. 21.

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