An incumbent on the Jefferson High School District No. 1 board was outvoted in a recent election where four candidates vied for two open positions on that board and three candidates ran to fill two open seats on the Montana City School district board — the latter a race in which the incumbent prevailed.
Kyrie Marks Russ got 644 votes to Travis Pierce’s 502 for the at-large seat Pierce had been occupying on the JHS board. The third person who sought that seat, Mandy McMaster, garnered 396 votes. Bryer Herak ran unopposed to represent Basin Elementary District No. 5 on the JHS board and won that seat with 50 votes.
In Montana City, incumbent Jamie Wilcox was top vote-getter with 626, with Cole J. Mosby’s 598 votes securing the second available open board seat. Candidate Patricia Spencer got 135 votes.
The election was conducted by mail-ballot only, with ballots due at the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder’s Office by May 7.
Russ in particular is coming on board “at a unique point in time,” she said by email.
That’s because JHS District No. 1 is in the midst of a survey and related community forums to help determine how to handle projected growth, she wrote.
“I have attended all the forums and have been heartened to see how much Jefferson County residents care about our district, even those that no longer have children in school,” she continued. “Without seeing the survey results or final compilation of data, it’s too early in the process to make any conclusions. However, it is clear that each community has its own needs and concerns, and it will be essential for the board to move forward thoughtfully, in ensuring that we deal with growth responsibly.”
“As I promised in my campaign, I promise to listen and learn from our constituents before deciding on the path forward,” she concluded.
Russ also thanked voters for “your faith in me” and the departing Pierce “for his years of service.”
“His love and care for JHS has made a difference to our students and staff,” she wrote.
