One new face will occupy one of the seven seats on the Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education beginning in January.

        But voters largely endorsed the status quo by re-electing all three incumbents in the running, with all precincts reporting Tuesday night. Results are unofficial.

        Newcomer Melanie Bates, a 30-year Cincinnati resident, secured a seat on the board while incumbents Catherine Ingram, Harriet Russell and Sally Warner retained their seats for at least another four years.

        Ms. Bates was the top vote-getter.

        “I'm excited,” said Ms. Bates of North Avondale, a seven-year member of the state Board of Education. “I'm interested in urban education and I want to help my own district.”

        Ms. Bates led with 17.50 percent (43,783 votes). She was followed by Ms. Warner, with 16.32 percent (40,812 votes); Ms. Ingram with 15.91 percent (39,807 votes); and Ms. Russell with 15.26 percent (38,183 votes).

        G.R. “Sam” Schloemer followed with 13.26 percent;Frederick T. Suggs, 9.83 percent; Ed Rothenberg, 7.65 percent; and Roy McGrath, 4.27 percent.

        Board members will be sworn in Jan. 7.

        Board members will have to focus on the three R's in the coming years — redesign, reconstruction and reforms.

        • Redesign: The new board will oversee the redesign of five of the district's low-performing neighbor hood high schools over the next three to four years.

        • Reconstruction: Board members will oversee the biggest facilities building plan in Cincinnati Public Schools' history, if board members decide to partner with the state for the building project. The state preliminarily has said 61 of the district's 76 buildings should be replaced or closed rather than renovated.

        Estimates peg the project cost at up to $900 million. If the board decides to accept the state's recommendations on which buildings to replace or renovate, the district will receive 23 percent state funding for the project.

        • Reforms: The district has been making strides to improve student achievement in the 42,000-student district considered in “academic emergency” by the state. Reforms include the creation of a new Entrepreneurship High School approved by the board just two days ago and the addition of a Virtual High School to attract students who are untraditional learners.

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