May, McInnes Win Board of Education Seats

District 14 residents overwhelmingly voted in new blood to the Board of Education as Cheryl May and Scott McInnes each received some 700 more votes than incumbent Teena Ditchek Korman, according to preliminary election results.

Voters also passed a $103 million budget, 1,809-1,351.

“This is a monumental moment — I’m speechless,” McInnes said.

May and McInnes’ platform of lowering administrative costs, studying all expenses and the need for more oversight reached voters, who prevented Ditchek Korman from being sworn in to a fourth term. One of the seats the pair will fill is currently held by Howard Weinick, who did not seek reelection.

“I am beyond happy that Scott and I won,” said May, who was co-president of Central Council PTA. “I’m so happy the community was able to rally around the budget, and I look forward to getting down to business.”

May received the most votes with 2,222, according to a preliminary count. McInnes received 1,965 and Ditchek Korman received 1,293.

“I’ve been on the other side — this feels so much better,” said new Central Council PTA Co-President Mitchell Greebel, who was defeated in his bid for school board trustee in 2009.

“The community raised their voices,” said Central Council PTA Co-President Melissa Gates. “I’m just so relieved that the budget passed.