School Elections Across Valley County

Four out of the six school districts in Valley County will hold elections on Tuesday, May 5 this year. Absentee ballots have gone out already in each district, with only Nashua and Lustre canceling elections this year, several votes are already being counted, but just in case you haven’t cast your ballot yet, here’s what to expect in each district.

GLASGOW

The largest voting pool, the Glasgow ballot will have the most issues this year. With 1,726 absentee ballots sent out, the district has already seen 750 ballots return. Two trustee positions are up and open for a three-year term. Voters can go to the district board room from noon to 8 p.m. to vote. Alison Molvig and Nick Dirkes, the incumbents are reapplying for their position and newcomer Shawn Andersyn will also be a choice for the Glasgow School Board.

Voters will also see a levy for the general fund for operations and maintenance in the 2015-16 school year. The levy would generate $18,271.65.

The last issue on the ballot has been one that has created a bit of a debate in the Glasgow community. The naming of the new elementary school that is nearing completion. The old R.L. Irle Elementary School will be torn down during the summer break and what the new school building will be named has created some controversy.

The old school was one of several elementary schools in the district in the past, named after a superintendent that saw the district through some of the toughest times in the area. Other elementary schools represented the south side of Glasgow, or out in rural areas, like Vandalia. Voters will decide weather to keep the historical namesake of Irle Elementary, or to name the building Glasgow Elementary School to represent the entire district.

FRAZER

Frazer has had more interest in the two positions open for trustee than the other districts. As of press time the district reported that four were on the ballot, Michael Cole, Harry Beauchamp Jr., Jamie Smoker-Lilley and Grant Stafne. The two positions are open for a two-year term.

Frazer will also vote on a mill levy for the elementary school. The levy would raise $12,902.41.

The school district didn’t have the number of absentee ballots sent out, or the number that had already come back in by press time. Voters can show up to the adult education building from noon to 8 p.m. to cast their ballot.

HINSDALE

Hinsdale has two running for one open trustee position for a two-year term. Ky Idler and Paul McColly are facing off in the district. Hinsdale sent out 112 absentee ballots and have seen 33 returned. Voters can cast their ballots from noon to 8 p.m.

OPHEIM

Like Glasgow, Opheim has two incumbents and one newcomer on the ballot for two trustee positions open for three-year terms. Voters can choose between incumbents Mughetto Flickinger and Jeff Robertson, and newcomer Twila Anderson. The district has sent out 118 absentee ballots and reported that a fair amount have come back. Voters can cast their ballots in the gym from noon to 8 p.m.