Incumbents leading in Shelton school races

Two incumbents on the Shelton School Board were winning big on the first ballot count Tuesday night, while a third incumbent was holding a solid lead.

The results of the second ballot count were released by the Mason County Auditor’s Office at 5 p.m. Wednesday, after the Journal went to press.

School Board President Keri Davidson, in her bid to retain Director Position 2, received 1,895 votes for 66.58%. Challenger Tommy Stearns received 936 votes for 32.80%.

“I am very thankful and appreciative of all the voters,” Davidson wrote to the Journal. “I’m hopeful with these first numbers coming in that I will be able to continue serving the students and community another four years.”

Karla Knudsen-Johnston, who taught in Shelton School District elementary schools for 33 years, easily won another term representing District 1 with 1,971 votes for 68.34%. Challenger Brandi L. Housh got 899 votes for 31.17%.

Incumbent Lauren Gilmore, representing District 2, had 1,488 votes for 52.27% in the initial count. Challenger Andrew Wilford had 1,345 votes for 47.24%.

Running unopposed for a two-year unexpired term as Director Position 1, Becky Cronquist received 2,147 votes for 96.89%. Write-in candidates received 69 votes.