News
Alexander School Board Has Contested Election
By: Tom Hodson
Posted on:
Four men, two veterans and two newcomers, challenge each other Tuesday for three seats on the Alexander Board of Education.
Current President of the Board Fred Davis and Vice-President Mike Chapman compete against two new candidates Ralph Harvey Sr. from Albany and Cory Russell from New Marshfield for three slots. The top three vote getters will win. This is a non-partisan election.
Current board member Gordon Brooks did not file to run again.
Davis, 66, has been on the board for a total of 32 years and eight terms. He is seeking his ninth and sees school finances as the top issue. He is presently the head of the Athens County Emergency Management Agency.
Chapman, 43, is completing his second four year term and is the board’s vice-president. He is a district alumnus and he has worked during his tenure to improve school facilities, including athletic facilities. He is a salesperson for Classic Brands in Chillicothe.
Harvey is the senior member of the group at 68 years-old. He is retired but formerly spent 35 in library security at the Alden Library at Ohio University. He also works part-time at WASCO in Washington Co. He helps adults with disabilities. His top issue is schools getting the financial support they need.
Russell, 41, is from New Marshfield. He also is an Alexander alumnus. He works for the Athens Co. Engineers Office. He believes that the loss of state money is the most challenging issue facing local schools.
Early voting took place prior to Election Day at the Athens County Board of Elections. Polls are open today until 7:30 p.m.