By Bill Zeeble
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-874806.mp3
Dallas – The Dallas School Board will have 2 new trustees after Tuesday's runoff election, and they could make Superintendent Hinojosa's path a little rougher. KERA's Bill Zeeble reports.
In district 3, challenger Bruce Parrott defeated incumbent Leigh Ann Ellis by more than 8 percent. Parrott says it was a mistake for board members - that includes Ellis - to extend their own terms. He says they also missed an overextended budget that led to massive layoffs. Parrott says he'll pay closer attention.
Parrott: Im looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and going to work.
I think we'll ask a little bit more questions than what's currently been asked.
Leigh Ann Ellis says she's worried for the board's future. She says Parrott's win reflects voters angry at the administration and angry the incumbent. She thinks trustees may now start bickering and fighting, & not resolve problems.
Ellis: You have to have people on the board who are patient, that are listeners. I think we go backwards, I think we go back to where we were 10 years ago.
In district 9, Bernadette Nutall beat Sally Cain in a landslide, with more than 66 percent of the vote. These 2 new trustees are expected to change some policy outcomes, from 5-4 majorities that had approved some of Superintendent Michael Hinojosa's wishes, to 5-4 votes rejecting his desires. Parrott says he'll need to study issues more closely before declaring his positions, but that's why he just got elected. Bill Zeeble KERA news.