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Chapman, Runchey and Ziemer elected to Marshall School Board

MARSHALL — The results of the Marshall Public School board race revealed that the top three vote-getters were Sara Runchey (3,825 votes), Jeff Chapman (3,075 votes) and Aaron Ziemer (2,947 votes). Edged out was Ben Walker with 1,878 votes. A total of 17,529 votes were cast, including 51 write-in votes, 12 over votes and 5,741 under votes.

Three seats were open on the MPS board, including seats held by incumbent Chapman and by Karen VanKeulen, who did not run for re-election. The third seat was temporarily held by Ziemer, who was a special appointee who took over for board member Dion Caron when Caron resigned his seat after being hired as the business director in the district.

“I’m humbled by the support,” Ziemer said. “I’m humbled to see that and I’m certainly excited to get to work and see if I can’t tackle some of the issues and challenges that are ahead.”

Ziemer said he’s learned a great deal in the short time he’s spent on the board already.

“I’ve learned a lot about all the things that schools are doing today,” he said. “It’s so different from five, 10 and 15 years ago. There’s so much that the students weren’t doing back then. Now, they have so much to accomplish. I’ve spent a lot of time learning about that and I know there’s a lot more ahead. I’m getting ready to be able to settle in and see if I can’t add to the upcoming conversations.”

Runchey is also looking forward to contributing in her new role.

“I’m very excited and honored,” she said about the overwhelming amount of support and future position. “I think it’s going to be quite a great thing.”

Runchey said she has tried to be involved at Marshall Public Schools and with school-related events and that propelled her to run for a school board seat.

“I see a need in the district for more engagement with the community, particularly with the referendum,” Runchey said. “I feel like I could help in some fashion. So I thought it was a good time to run. Obviously, I’m really happy and surprised (by the overwhelming support). Most of the support I got was pretty positive, but you never know with these things, about how much interest there is with voters. Now I’m just hoping to contribute.”

Chapman currently serves as board chairman and has spent 18 years as a school board member at MPS.

Minneota

Minneota was one of the other contested school board races in the area. Six candidates were on the ballot for four open seats on the Minneota School board. Jeff Buysse led the way with 738 votes, followed by Abby Thostenson (682 votes), Dawn VanKeulen (643) and Tom Skorczewski (590).

Doug Spanton picked up 505 votes, while Larry Buysse received 474.

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