Hickman Mills elects school board members despite smear campaign

Voters went to the polls Tuesday to settle money issues in several school districts and elect board members around the area, including in Hickman Mills, where a last-minute mailing turned things nasty.

A roundup of some of the races:

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A late smear attack on three candidates didn’t work as voters elected the targeted three by wide margins.

The winners were incumbents Dan Osman and Bonnaye Mims and newcomer Karry Palmer.

The vote came three days after many households received an anonymous mailing attacking the three, including linking one to a child rapist and accusing another as being far behind on child support payments.

The attempt at sabotage fits well into a school district in turmoil. A year ago, board president Breman Anderson Jr., was ousted from a leadership role. Then just a few weeks ago came a state audit that showed loose control over spending and handing out no-bid contracts.

In 2012, the district’s performance slipped enough for the state to put it on provisional accreditation.

Anderson finished well back in the field Tuesday.

Others candidates were Debbie Aiman, Tanesha Forte, Carol Graves, Shawn Hayes, Clifford O. Ragan III and Sandy Sexton.

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Voters approved a $20 million bond issue that the district pushed for land acquisition, construction, remodeling and security improvements. The bond required a four-sevenths majority, or 57 percent, and won with 61 percent.

Voters also approved a levy hike of 26 cents per $100 of assessed valuation for operations and staffing. The request needed a simple majority and won 66 percent approval.

Joe Jacobs and Dixie Youngers won terms on the board.

Brian Mercer was also on the ballot.

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Patrons overwhelmingly rejected a levy hike of 32 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to go for technology improvements and safety enhancements. The issue needed a simple majority and failed 61 to 39 percent.

Voters also elected incumbents Janice Bolin and Boon Lee to new terms along with challenger Bart Klein. David Blackburn finished a close fourth. Lathem Scott also ran.

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In a district facing growth from families moving in as well as students transferring from Kansas City, voters elected incumbent Denise Fears and former member Blake Roberson, who served 12 years before term limits put him out in 2012. The other candidate was Ron Thornbury.

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Patrons put incumbents Terri Harmon and Chris Storms back on the board along with challenger Bill Baird. The fourth candidate was Mark Ousnamer.

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Voters elected incumbents Kim Marie-Graham and Lori D. Tritz to new terms. Angela Reed won the third seat.

Also on the ballot were Bruce Cantwell, Don Hubbs and Jesse Leimkuehler.

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Board president Kim York and member Ruth Johnson won new terms on the board. The third winner was challenger Barbara Boucher.

Challenger Melinda Houdyshell finished a close fourth. Other candidates were Tonya Long and Mary DuBray.

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This story was originally published April 8, 2014 at 10:18 PM with the headline "Hickman Mills elects school board members despite smear campaign."