Earlier today, we reported on how candidates for city office in Amarillo reacted to the results of the May 6th election. Now, we’re looking at reactions from school board candidates.

Amarillo ISD

Jon Mark Beilue won one of three seats up for grabs on the Amarillo ISD Board, having received the greatest number of votes. On his campaign Facebook page, he posted a message thanking “the many for their support through voting, campaign donations or just encouragement” during his campaign. “It only heightens my desire to do the best I can for the students and teachers of this district because of the trust placed in me,” said Beilue. He also thanked “the other six candidates who ran and were part of the process” and jokingly apologized “for adding to your kitchen cabinet clutter with two campaign postcard/fliers in recent weeks.”

Amarillo Matters board member Steve Trafton won the second of the three open seats. “I’m honored you’ve trusted me to help ensure we protect and teach our kids.” He also asked people to join him “in honoring our teachers and staff during Teacher Appreciation Week that begins Monday, May 8.”

The third seat went to Connie Brown. “The many ‘thumbs up’ at the polls over the last several days has been a welcome sight! We made it a celebration symbol” Along with that caption, she posted an image of the election results and several photos of her and her supporters giving thumbs up.

Fourth place finisher Robin Leeah, who did not get elected, expressed thanks to her supporters, while also stating that she is “very disappointed in the fact that 3 people over the age of 65 have been elected to make decisions for the students,” including her own child. “They don’t have kids in school nor have they in decades. It’s hard for me to believe that they understand what our students and teachers are facing everyday,” she said. She closed her post by stating that she will “remain committed to being an advocate for the parents, students and teachers.”

Incumbent Kimberly Anderson, who did not get reelected, thanked her supporters. “I was advocating for students and teachers long before being elected to the school board, and that will not stop now.” She also congratulated the winners. “I am counting on you to look out for all of my kids in Amarillo ISD classrooms and all of my friends and colleagues who serve on the staff of AISD.”

Neither Ryan Patrick Brown nor incumbent Dick Ford appear to have posted publicly about the results.

Amarillo College

Incumbent Jay L. Barret, who was reelected to the Amarillo College Board, thanked his family, friends, and colleagues, as well as his supporters and voters. In his post, he pointed to the college winning the controversial Aspen Prize. “I invite you all to continue this journey with me.”

Incumbent Michele Fortunato, who also won, did not publicly post a reaction to the results.

Irene Hughes, who won the open seat on the board, expressed her thanks to those who contributed to her campaign. She also congratulated other winners in her race and various other local races.

Jason Foglesong thanked his supporters and congratulated the winners in his race, as well as stating that he is glad that Cole Stanley, Don Tipps, and Tom Scherlen were elected to city offices. He gave his endorsement to Josh Craft in the Place 1 runoff.

Mike Yazbek thanked his voters and congratulated the winners. “ I did NOT lose. I simply wasn't elected. There are no losers when we all have the same goals in mind.” He also joked that he “was doing great until someone decided to count the votes” and that “it was an old-fashioned butt kicking.”

It does not appear that Brady Clark has posted publicly about the results.

Canyon ISD

“I am so grateful to continue serving the 11,100+ students of Canyon ISD, their families, and the community,” said Place 2 winner Katharyn Wiegand. She thanked various members of her team. “Above all, I am grateful to my Lord Jesus Christ, who provides every breath and every blessing.” Her opponent, Jodi Davis, had not posted about the results at time of writing.

Laurie Gilliland, who won the open race for Place 7, stated “this election was a tremendous experience” and that she is “humbled and honored to have been elected.” She thanked her supporters and said that she is “ready to work hard for the fabulous students, teachers, staff, and community of Canyon ISD and to continue the tradition of excellence for which Canyon ISD is known.” Tiffany Rogers simply quoted from Galatians 6:7-10, while Derrick Thomas had not posted anything about the results at time of writing.

Casey Posey, who won the Place 3 special election, posted that “it is time to go to work for my community family” after having spent Sunday off of social media to spent time with his family. He thanked his supporters and his opponents.

Jared Wirt, who came in second place in the Place 3 election, posted a thanks to his supporters and congratulated the winners of all three of the CISD seats. “Canyon ISD has always been strong, and continues to be strong with this leadership!”

The third-place finisher in the Place 3 election, Claudia Burkett, simply posted “I appreciate the support. Congratulations to the winners of CISD School Board! Now let’s go continue to support our District!”

Fourth-place finisher Josh Girsham does not appear to have posted about the results at the time of writing.