The Morning News
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
Halsell Wins Runoff For School Board Seat
By Rose Ann Pearce
THE MORNING NEWS
FAYETTEVILLE -- Local businessman Jim Halsell called his election to the Fayetteville School Board Tuesday a "superhuman effort" by a team of strong supporters.
Halsell, a newcomer to the school board, defeated incumbent Conrad Odom in a runoff, 1,295 (54.14 percent) to 1,097 (45.86 percent).
When Halsell learned of his victory from a local reporter, cheers of celebration and congratulations were heard in the background as he said, "I'm speechless."
He praised Odom as a "terrific opponent" and thanked supporters for their votes.
John Logan Burrow, chairman of the Washington County Election Board, said the results are unofficial until the election is certified. Although a number of absentee ballots are still out, the number is not enough to change the outcome, Burrow said.
Halsell was the top vote-getter in a six-way race for the at-large position 1 seat in the general school election Sept. 16. He forced the runoff with Odom as the second highest vote-getter because neither received a majority of the votes cast.
Halsell is a staunch supporter of keeping Fayetteville High School where it is and likely received strong support from the grassroots Build Smart organization which promotes building a world class high school on the existing campus.
Controversy over the high school location has been a divisive issue in the district.
Halsell is also a strong advocate for neighborhood schools.
He can take his seat on the board once the election is certified and the oath of office is administered by the Washington County Clerk. Halsell was elected to fill the three years remaining on the unexpired term of John Delap who resigned in June to accept a teaching position at the high school.
Odom was appointed by the school board to fill the seat until the September election.
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