With 31 of 33 precincts reporting early Wednesday morning, it appears ISD 728 will be welcoming two incumbents back to the school board, and two newcomers next January.
Tuesday’s election was smooth sailing for current Board Chairman Shane Steinbrecher, who ran unopposed in Zimmerman.
In the at-large race, Kim Michels and incumbent Tony Walter emerged out of a six-person field as the leaders early Wednesday. Michels had 24 percent of the votes cast, while Walter had nearly 20 percent. Another newcomer, Josh Purcell, was in third, with about 16 percent of votes. Incumbent Jamie Plantenberg-Selbitschka did not retain her seat. Lois Pettman and Greg Bownik were also on the outside looking in.
In Rogers, Sara Weis had 46 percent of the vote, with a single precinct yet to report. That, mathematically, gave her the edge over incumbent Greg Peppin, who was seeking his first full term after earning a two-year spot in 2016’s election.
Peppin is the husband of former House Majority Leader Rep. Joyce Peppin and a GOP strategist.
North Wright County Today will update these races, if necessary, when the final precinct reports. But the percentages are projected to hold into Wednesday.
The ISD 728 board will canvass the election at its next meeting on Monday.