PORT ANGELES — Both challengers for Port Angeles School District board positions were leading the incumbents after Tuesday’s initial ballot count.
Ned Hammar, who announced in June that he had withdrawn from the contest, was edging incumbent and board president Sarah Methner, 50.47 percent to 49.1 percent (2,206 to 2,146 votes) for the Position No. 1 seat.
“It was and is a surprise,” said Hammar, who still appeared on the ballot despite his decision to step aside. “I put my name out there and will commit to stepping up to serve. But in all honesty, I’m OK with either way it turns out.”
Methner, who has served on the board since 2009, said she was holding tight until the next round of results were posted after press time Wednesday.
In the Position No. 2 race, Nancy Hamilton had a solid lead over Mary Herbert, who was first elected to the board in 2021.
Hamilton was ahead 53.27 percent (2,311 votes) to Hebert’s 46.15 percent (2,002 votes).
The district’s five-member board of directors serve four-year terms. They are reimbursed for travel outside the district and can take advantage of district insurance at their own expense. They may choose to receive $50 a day in compensation for board-related work, such as board meetings, not to exceed $4,000 a year.
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Reporter Paula Hunt can be reached by email at paula.hunt@peninsuladailynews.com.
