A retired teacher and a long-serving school trustee were elected as Summerland’s representatives on the Okanagan Skaha School Board.
There were four candidates in the election on Saturday.
Dave Stathers, who retired from teaching at Summerland Secondary School, had 2,505 votes while Linda Van Alphen, a trustee for the past 16 years, was re-elected with 2,898 votes.
Former Summerland mayor Peter Waterman received 1,661 votes, while trustee Julie Planiden received 905 votes.
Stathers said he was surprised by the election results.
During the election, he spoke about the importance of keeping schools open within the district. He believes this message resonated with the voters.
“People of Summerland spoke out loud and clear about the way they felt about Trout Creek School,” he said.
He added that he is pleased to be serving with Van Alphen on the board, since she brings a wealth of experience to the table.
Van Alphen is also grateful for another term on the board.
“I think Dave Stathers and I on the school board will be really great,” she said, adding that both will work to represent all students within the school district.
The school district consists of four Penticton trustees, two Summerland trustees and one representing rural areas.