School board filing period closes with plenty of choices

With eight school board positions on the November ballot spread across three school districts, voters should have plenty of choice over the direction of local schools over the next four years.

Of the eight positions — three on the Cloverdale School Board, three on North Putnam and two on South Putnam — all but one has at least two candidates vying for the position.

In the Cloverdale School District, which is composed of Cloverdale Township in Putnam County as well as Jackson, Jennings and Taylor townships in Owen County, two of the three races on November’s ballot are contested.

In Cloverdale Township incumbent Vivian Whitaker faces a challenge from Aragon Gould . In Taylor Township, Emily Haltom and Carol Ann Pennington seek the position currently occupied by Duane Huge.

Meanwhile no candidate, including incumbent Arvel Hinton, has filed for the Jennings Township seat.

On the North Putnam board, incumbent Joanie Knapp will face a challenges for the Jackson Township seat from former NPHS athletic director Roger Busch. Meanwhile in Floyd Township, incumbent Ron Spencer faces two challengers in Dale Barnes and Kelly Murphy.

Two new candidates will be running for the Clinton Township seat in Anthony Camp and David McCollough. Incumbent Travis Lambermont is not seeking another term.

Finally, at South Putnam, both incumbents on the ballot face a challenge.

In Warren Township, Gregg Hinchman is being challenged by Wade Fanning, while in Jefferson Township, Wesley Hacker will have to defend his seat from Lee Cline.

While board members in all three districts are drawn from specific townships, they are selected by voters from throughout their districts.

The general election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 8.