Leon ISD Board President out after 32 years

After serving on the Leon School Board for 32 years incumbent Board President Jimmy Beddingfield was defeated in Saturday's election by a wide margin. Beddingfield received 209 votes while Schmidt garnered 486.

Position 3 had another upset with incumbent Board Secretary Chad Prior receiving 226 votes and challenger Collen Robertson collecting 464.

In Position 2 Vice Presi- dent Darren Thomas was the only incumbent to win his position back. Thomas got 463 votes, Shawn Noey 201, and Nichole Curls received 29.

The Leon School District has been plagued by controversy for the past year beginning with the removal and arrest of Principal David Jones in February of 2008. Jones was charged with abuse of a child but the charges were dismissed by County Attorney Jim Witt after an eye witness came forward.

Earlier in 2009 the Board could not reach an agreement on the high school teachers' contracts. Additionally Coach Rusty Robinson tendered his resignation for reasons undisclosed and the board split 4 to 3 to accept his resignation. One source said these two issues caused anxiety among the faculty and their families.

The race was hard fought on both sides. But in the end the people spoke for change. A faculty member said the school is excited about the outcome and look forward to what new, fresh leadership can bring. Construction is underway on a new high school and field house.

Board members remaining are Keith Watson, Billy Evans, Ryan O'Neal and Gilbert Garcia.