John Dye was elected the newest member of the Pea Ridge School Board Tuesday, Sept. 16.
Dye was welcomed and congratulated by current School Board president Ann Cato Monday night. He was in attendance in the audience.
"I want to congratulate John Dye on the recent election," Cato said. "He will be sworn in soon. Welcome aboard. We're glad to have you as part of our group."
"First, I am very glad for the opportunity to serve the Pea Ridge Community in this way," Dye said later. "I appreciate all the support and votes in winning the position. Our schools are the life blood of our community and I consider this a vital role.
Dye was one of three men running for the seat being vacated by Josh Ramsey, who did not seek reelection.
Dye received 54.20 percent of the vote with 142 votes. Joseph Carlson received 55 votes, 20.99 percent; Jeff Cato received 65 votes, 24.81 percent.
The extension of the current millage was approved with 188 votes for (72.59 percent) and 71 votes cast against (27.41 percent).
Only 7.06 percent of the registered voters cast votes in the annual school election. There are 4,349 registered voters in the Pea Ridge School District, according to records at the Benton County Clerk's Office. Of those, 637 are termed "inactive" leaving 3,712 active voters.
"I don't pretend to know what all goes into serving on the board, nor do I come in with preconceived notions on what should or should not take place," Dye said. "I intend to come in, with a skill set geared toward finance and begin there. My wife and I are already involved in the schools and work well with our current administration. Staying connected allows us to know where and what are the major areas of concern and need -- such as facility expansion or teacher support concerns."
"I hope to be a part of the next five years of our school system reaching higher academic standards and paving the way for students to continue either into job placement or secondary education," Dye said.
General News on 09/24/2014