Eight candidates in the Cedarberg School Board Spring Primary have advanced to the April 5 general election. They will compete for four open seats.
Incumbent Laura Strobel and Richard Leach received the most votes, with 2,207 (14%) and 2,024 (13%), respectively.
Hani Malek came third with 1,988 votes (13%), Elizabeth Charland fourth with 1,964 votes (12%), Ryan Hammer fifth with 1,871 votes (12%), Kate Erickson with 1,681 votes (11%). with sixth place. Jamie Meier is seventh with 1,336 votes (8%) and Jennifer Calzada is eighth with 1,330 votes (8%).
Michael Maher received at least 1,321 votes, and will not continue.
Calzada's name remained on the ballot despite his resignation from the board and withdrew from the race on 25 January. The last date for withdrawal of candidates was January 4.
Strobel thanked voters and those who supported the continuation of the tradition of academic excellence at Cederberg.
"As a 28-year-old resident of Cedarberg, I am honored by tonight's results," Strobel said. "However, the general election on 5 April will determine the school board, and we will need everyone's support."
Charland said she was honored to have the support of 1,900 Cedarberg voters.
“As a relative outsider, I am impressed that my message of high academic achievement, parental empowerment and a culture of transparency resonates with so many people,” she said. "I want to build on the traditions and achievements for which Cedarburg is known. I look forward to meeting even more Cedarburg residents in the coming weeks and sharing my vision for excellence in Cedarberg schools."
Hammer said he was both happy and excited with the primary election results.
"We have a long way to go before the general elections, but we are up to the challenge," he said. "I look forward to continuing conversations with Cedarberg residents about our school board."
Erikson expressed his gratitude to the voters and volunteers who supported him.
"Thank you to our election workers for helping ensure people exercise their right to vote," he said. We are just getting started."
Maher detailed which of the four candidates he would support in April.
"I want to express my gratitude to all the people who voted for me and supported me during this campaign," Maher said. “I will stand firmly behind the campaigns of Hani Malek, Kate Erickson, Jamie Meier, and Ryan Hammetter. At some point people need to come together, listen to each other, and work toward a compromise. This team Will do just that."