Incumbent Shawano School Board member Julie Van Dyck was ousted from the board in Tuesday’s election, ending a 15-year career on the board.
Incumbent Marcia Yeager, also a 15-year veteran, won another three-year term and will be joined on the board by challenger Beth McFarlane.
The three were competing for two seats in Area 4, with the two top vote-getters elected.
Results reported by the school district were as follows:
Marcia Yeager 925 (i)
Beth McFarlane 761
Julie Van Dyck (i) 681
“I’m pleased and excited to get to work,” McFarlane said.
McFarlane said voters apparently wanted to continue the turnover on the board that’s been taking place over the last couple of years.
“The board is changing, and the community is saying they’re looking for that change to continue,” she said.
Tyler Schmidt edged out veteran John Granchay two years ago. Derek Johnson and Bruce Milavitz joined the board last year.
The most recent addition, Michael Sleeper, was appointed to the board in October to replace Jim Heinz, who resigned in September amid concerns about the direction the district was headed.
Sleeper was also on Tuesday’s ballot, but had no challenger.
“I’m certainly sad and disappointed,” Van Dyck said. “I’ve enjoyed being on the board, and I love the school district. I appreciate the support I’ve had over the years, and I’m grateful to have served.”
She said low voter turnout may have contributed to the results.
Van Dyck said she was pleased Yeager was returned to the board and said she thought McFarlane would do a good job.
Van Dyck said she still plans to attend national education conventions, at her own cost, and bring ideas back to the board.
She said she isn’t sure whether she’ll make another run for the board.
“That’s three years from now,” she said.
Yeager couldn’t be reached for comment Tuesday evening.