Re-elected Rankin, unseated Schwartz thank community after election

USD 489 board members Josh Bickle and James Leiker examine election results Tuesday night at the Ellis County Administration Building. — USD 489 board members Lance Bickle and James Leiker examine election results Tuesday night at the Ellis County Administration Building.

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

While the USD 489 election results will not be official until canvassed by Ellis County commissioners on April 13, it appears incumbent Sarah Rankin accomplished the goal she set for herself and proved her re-election was a “vote of confidence” from the community. With 1,460 votes in Tuesday’s election, Rankin finished second behind newcomer Dr. Paul Adams.

“I grateful for everyone who supported me. … I am relieved I now have the confidence of the Hays community to continue to serve, and I am eager and committed to get back in there and keep tackling the issues we are tackling and trying to serve the diverse needs and striving for that standard of excellence across USD 489,” Rankin said, adding the district’s budget in light of state funding questions will remain key the issue.

Rankin was appointed to the school board last spring when a Darren Schumacher vacated the seat due to a job relocation. She was one of seven people on the ballot for four open seats in Tuesday’s election.

Municipal election workers deliver ballots to the Ellis County Administration Building Tuesday.

Twelve-year veteran Greg Schwartz was unseated Tuesday. He finished fifth in the balloting, behind Rankin, Adams, Luke Oborny and Miranda Fox.

Schwartz thanked the community for providing him the chance to serve USD 489 for 12 years. He said his service has been frustrating at times, but also “very rewarding.”

“It is often difficult to sit up there and ask difficult questions and know you’re angering everyone you’re talking to, but still demand those answers,” Schwartz said. “I hope (the board) can continue to do that because if we don’t, we will end up with just a ‘yes’ board — and those are not productive boards.

“I think we have a very qualified administration and board, and I think we will be all right,” he added.

Schwartz will serve through July 30.

Current board members Marty Patterson and James Leiker’s seats were also up for re-election, but neither sought another term.

Jerald Braun, who withdrew from the election last month, finished sixth, while Leslie Blagrave finished seventh.

Hays USD 489 Board of Education
Unofficial results
• Paul Adams: 1535 votes
• Sarah Rankin: 1460 votes
• Luke Oborny: 1337 votes
• Miranda Fox: 1133 votes
Greg Schwartz: 1029 votes
Jerald Braun: 648 votes
Leslie Blagrave: 511 votes