School board incumbents win big

The incumbents of Roosevelt County school districts won big Tuesday night as those who ran in contested school board races in Portales and Dora retained their positions.

"I just want to continue to see Portales schools succeed," said Portales School Board member of Position 4 Antonio Sanchez, and he will from the side he already sits on.

Sanchez, current vice president of the board, thought it was a blessing to have someone else interested in the position because it shows that other people care.

"The benefit is you know what's going on, especially when you have a vested interest in the school district such as your children," said Sanchez, who's a parent of three.

He encourages his opponent Kathleen Cooper as well as other members of the district to become involved with the district because he doesn?t fell you need to be a board member to take action. He also hopes for the continuation of the Family Leadership Institute to encourage parent involvement.

Sanchez says his fight ahead now that he's retained his seat is to push the state Legislature to consider giving teachers pay increases.

"From a district perspective, we got to do something," Sanchez said. "For some reason the state doesn't see they need an increase but in my opinion they do."

Cooper said running against Sanchez was a good experience and appreciates the support she received from the community, especially being a new face in town. She says she has plans to be involved with the district.

"I have to see what the needs are," Cooper said. "I will not hesitate, if I seen a need I can help."

Dora Municipal Schools Position 2 incumbent John Mohon is pleased he'll keep the seat he's sat in for five years and only has plans to strengthen Dora schools.

"I think we have a good team and board members that really are on top of things," Mohon said. "It's one of the volunteer jobs of many I do have and I enjoy serving. I think we just need to support our teachers."

He also wants to make sure the district works with the finances it has and applies for all the grants it can.

"I think that's an important thing we need to keep on top of," Mohon said.

He thanked his opponent Kenner Carrasco for his dedicated service to run, adding that it will take teamwork to make the district successful.

"I'm sure the voters had the confidence to vote me back in and I appreciate their support," Mohon said.

His main concern moving forward is the security of students and parent involvement.

"It's all for our kids," Mohon said. "We need a lot more one-on-one parent involvement, which is hard because now both parents are working. Each family is different, but the parents need to get more involved."

Carrasco, the county's assessor and parent of two boys who attend Dora High School, said losing was disappointing.

"It's disheartening but it?s not the end of the world," Carrasco said. "It shouldn't keep people from still being involved."

Carrasco says his main concern was that he saw a conflict of interest with his opponent being married to another Dora educator and feels you have to question situations such as that.

"We have to ask more questions about where money's going," Carrasco said.

"It's all public information."

But he said the voters ultimately made their decision and he'll still continue to be involved and open to working with others.

"You have to find other ways to get involved and make your presence felt as a concerned parent and as a taxpayer," Carrasco said.

Gary Simpson, who holds Dora's Position 5 seat, was another winner Tuesday night. He ran against opponents Ray Pallares and Wayne McAlister.

"Thanks to everybody who voted, thanks for the opportunity to serve on the board again," Simpson said. "I think our teachers and staff are working hard on implementing common core standards so that each of our children reach the potential their supposed to. It's a priority."

Pallares and McAlister were not immediately available for contact Tuesday evening.

Vicki Banister of Floyd was the winner of Floyd Municipal Schools' vacant Position 1 seat.

"I'm just excited to get started and see what it's all about," said Banister.

She says she's been very pleased with the school board and is happy about the way things are run. She only hopes to continue to push things in the right direction, especially having children ages 17, 14 and 6 in the district.

"Being a part of a small school, the kids and the parents seem to be more involved," Banister said. "It's just like a big family. Everyone's involved, everyone helps each other."

Banister's opponent local business owner Doug Hughes said regardless of the results, he'll remain involved and will do what is needed of him to better the district.

"I'm always involved, this is my community," Hughes said. "They had a choice and they made it. I'd do anything they need, whatever they need, they got my support."