The Reed City Area Public Schools board of education will add a new member, Heidie Decker-Thomas, to its ranks following the Nov. 8 election.
Pioneer photo/Olivia FellowsREED CITY — The Reed City Area Public Schools board of education will add a new member to its ranks following the Nov. 8 election.
Three four-year term seats were open. Two incumbents were reelected, while one seat is set to be filled by a new representative for the district.
With 100% of precincts reporting, the board of education election for the RCAPS district saw a total of 8,346 votes across four counties — Mecosta, Osceola, Lake and Newaygo — according to the final unofficial results supplied by each county's clerk's office.
(Note: Results will become official after certification by each county's board of canvassers.)
Candidate Jamie Eichenberg, who was appointed to the RCAPS board in 2018, retained her board seat with a total of 2,381 votes across the four counties.
Candidate Christine Mund, who was appointed to the board in 2018, garnered 2,296 total votes to keep her seat.
Candidate Heidi-Decker Thomas led the vote tally and gained a seat on the board with 2,753 votes across the counties.
There were a total of 916 unresolved write-in votes across the four counties.
Decker-Thomas said she appreciates the community’s support.
“I am overwhelmed by the support I have received, especially over the last few days,” Decker-Thomas said. “My phone has been going off morning to night from people wishing me luck, giving me words of encouragement and congratulating me. I feel so blessed to have these amazing people in my life.
Decker-Thomas said she was nervous about putting herself out there.
"I knew there would be people who did not support me, but I was hopeful there would be a larger amount of people who did. I have had people reach out to me who have very different viewpoints than I do on some things and they have told me they support me and will be voting for me. I hope they know how much that meant to me.
“I am honored to be elected by my community and for them to place their trust in me,” she added. “This has been a very emotional and exhausting process but I am excited to get started and see what the future holds. I would like to thank my husband and my sons who always support me knowing that my adventures will take time away from them. Thank you to all of my family, friends and community members who voted for me. I will do my very best to make you proud.”
Eichenberg said she is excited to continue serving the district following her re-election.
“I am once again humbled by the support of the voters,” Eichenberg said. “As someone who firmly believes in civic duty, it is so encouraging to see such high voter turnout. I look forward to welcoming our newly elected member in January and hearing fresh perspectives.
Eichenberg expressed excitement about seeing the outcome of the district’s strategic plan.
“The board has really worked hard to become an effective and cohesive group, she added. “In understanding our differences and our strengths we've been able to work towards goals that will increase achievement among our students and staff. I'm hopeful that this trend continues. I thank all of my supporters for giving me the opportunity to continue to serve. I'm proud to be a Coyote and represent this district.”
Mund thanked the voters following her re-election to the board.
“I want to thank the voters of the RCAPS district for trusting me to serve them for another four years,” Mund said. “We have great things happening, and I am so grateful I will be a part of it. I am so excited to see what the future holds for our district.”
For more results from the Nov. 8 midterm elections visit www.bigrapidsnews.com.
