Puppy mill raid
Arnold convicted of killing baby
McCain's visit to Miami Valley
Two new members elected to Dayton board
Taylor, Nerny replace Gallin, Massoud; Mims, Thompson keep seats.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
DAYTON — The Dayton school board, a liked-minded group for much of the past six years, will have two new board members who campaigned for change.
Sheila Taylor, a courthouse clerical worker, and retired teacher Nancy Nerny defeated incumbents Mario Gallin and Lee Massoud on Tuesday.
Extras
According to final unofficial results, Jeff Mims was the top vote-getter in the race for three four-year terms with 11,238 votes, followed by Taylor with 9,968 votes, Nerny with 8,616 votes, Gallin with 7,609 votes and Massoud with 7,448 votes.
Stacy Thompson retained her seat by winning a two-year term with 11,765 votes to Shirley Crisp's 4,549 votes
Gallin said a levy defeat and the district's slip in the state ratings hurt.
"Clearly Nancy and Shelia had a message that resonated with the voters," she said. "Now they have an opportunity to put some of their ideas and thoughts into place and hopefully continue to move school district forward."
Taylor said she was not surprised by results.
"I thought things would go pretty much the way they did," she said. "I am happy for Jeff, Nancy and myself. Putting us together with the board that is left we will all make a good team and do a lot of good things for schools."
But Massoud is not so sure the results will help kids in the district. The only candidate in the race who declined to seek endorsements from political groups or unions, Massoud said the results show the influence of politics.
"We're seeing what a political influence on a board can do. I don't think it is healthy and don't think it is in the best interest of the children," she said. "That's not in best interest of community. We have too much at stake."
Mims, however, said the new board can be effective.
"Once we all sit down and try to clarify that our primary purpose is making good things happen for children, it will be OK," he said. "Everyone who ran cares for children and cares for the district."
