By Roderick McClain
11-03-10 – In the New Hanover County School Board elections, four Democrats lost to four Republicans as last night brought an end to campaign season. WHQR's Roderick McClain has this report.
Republican incumbents Janice Cavenaugh, Ed Higgins, and Don Hayes kept their seats while Democrat Nick Rhodes lost his seat to Republican newcomer Derrick Hickey. Six of seven board seats will soon be held by Republicans. Philip Stine is one of the four defeated Democrats. He says he's very disappointed.
"The people of New Hanover County don't care about quality education. They don't care about fiscal responsibility. They don't care about their graduation rate. They don't care about the economic future of this county. They don't care that we are 83rd in the state in high school graduation. They don't care that we are wasting money hand over fist. All they care about is neighborhood schools."
Don Hayes says both he and the board share some of Stine's concerns, specifically about the graduation rate. But, he says citizens of New Hanover County want to take part in their children's education and are concerned about where their children attend school.