Two new faces are joining the South Callaway Board of Education after Tuesday's election. Micah Benningfield received 243 votes and Dawn Bailey received 183 votes out of the 679 total Tuesday and will soon take their seats on the district's school board. Benningfield and Bailey are taking the place of Kimminau and Arrowood on the board, who received 148 and 102 votes respectively.
Both newly elected school board members said they'd like to see the district focus more on teachers and staff as an avenue to keep improving academics in the district.
Benningfield said he wants to help the board better prioritize and to focus on academics first, teachers and staff second and athletics third.
"I want to see the realignment focused back on the teachers and staff," Benninfield said. "We've spent a lot of money, we've made some good improvements but now it's time to focus back on the individuals and take what we have and make it better."
He said the district has high quality teachers and staff. He also referenced the district's iPad program as an improvement or strength in the district.
"Keeping those things going and keeping the support behind those individuals, ultimately that's what will make the school better," Benningfield said.
South Callaway put iPads in the hands of every student last school year. This year, the district added instructional coaches to aid teachers in better utilizing technology in the classroom. When it comes to technology, as well as other areas, Benningfield said a continued focus on teachers and staff will help the district improve even more.
"My kids are growing up differently than I did," Benningfield said. "They are growing up in the digital age and as they get older, digital media will become more and more prevalent ... It gives them a leg up - just understanding the programming, the hardware and software associated with it."
Bailey also said she wanted to ensure the district is teaching students properly and focusing on making sure good teachers are taken care of.
"I'm looking forward to helping our kids have a chance at a better education, bettering their education and keeping our teachers. We lose teachers sometimes, good teachers," Bailey said.
Bailey said she was unaware of any common factor that has led teachers to leave the district in the past.
The district, she added, spends money on unnecessary items.
"I have a problem with all of the money we are spending right now," Bailey said.
She said she understand the district must spend money on certain things. But, she thinks some building additions are unneeded.
"We need to focus on what we have and keep it maintained," Bailey said.
Both candidates said they were grateful for the community's support. Bailey said she was anxious to get started. Benningfield said he is excited for the opportunity to be part of the board.
"(It's) just a chance to make a difference," Benningfield said.
Bailey stressed that she wants people to let her know their concerns.