Sunday's Internet Edition, September 07, 2008.

Retired vocational agriculture teacher Paul Cummings, 58, of Walton led Tuesday’s balloting with 2,532 votes. The other winner was Joe Painter, who received 2,163 votes to be re-elected to a second term. The 60-year-old Gandeeville resident is a retired assistant superintendent and former assistant principal and teacher.

Both winners will begin four-year terms July 1.

The only other candidate for the two seats on the non-partisan school board ballot was Mario Sotomayor, 30, of Spencer who finished with 1,449 votes.

Both winners were happy with the outcome.

“I’m elated to serve another term on the board,” Painter said. He said he wasn’t surprised by the results.

“I thought Mr. Cummings would run a good race and be a good board member,” he said. “And Mr. Sotomayor did well for the first time.”

Cummings will be the second retired vocational agriculture teacher on the five-member board, joining Russell Moore, who was elected two years ago. The men worked together for about 10 years at Roane County High School, Cummings said.

“I’m pleasantly surprised,” Cummings said after the results were announced. “I’m sure it will be challenging from time to time.”

Painter predicted the board would face several hurdles in the next few years.

“There’s a lot yet to do, especially if the state does not change its funding system,” he said. “It’s a challenge and I’m excited.”

Incumbent David McCutcheon did not file for re-election after serving one term and will leave the board June 30.

Like Moore, the terms of members Tom Young and Randy Whited also expire in 2010.