HAMILTON — Butler County voters were returning most board of education incumbents to their seats in Tuesday's election.

        In the Lakota Schools, incumbent Sandy Wheatley was leading with 21.4 percent of the vote, with incumbent Jeff Jones close behind at 21 percent. Joan Powell was third with 19.5 percent. Six candidates were vying for three seats on the board.

        Former board member Helen Shumaker, who had 14 percent, was running on a slate with newcomers Sandy Severson, who ran unsuccessfully four years ago, and Kathy Dirr, seeking her first term.

        “There were some real philosophical differences,” said Mr. Jones of the two coalitions.

        In the Fairfield Board of Education race, incumbents were outpacing challenger Arnold Engel, the only candidate who opposes the 5.6- mill operating levy the board put on Tuesday's ballot.

        Mike Oler led with 29.2 percent of the vote, followed by Kay Crain with 26.8 percent and Maurice Godsey, 25.2 percent.

        In the 16-month-old Monroe Local Schools, voters were electing their first board of education with all five seats up for grabs. The board had been appointed to serve until this election by the Ohio Board of Education. Suzi Rubin and Jamie Pierce were uncontested for the two, two-year seats.

        In the race for three, four-year seats, incumbent Tom Birdwell, challenger William Heflin and incumbent Carol Brotherton were victorious.

        The biggest challenge facing the board, if a $29.9 million bond issue is approved, will be overseeing construction of a single school to house the district's students.

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