Moses

In early returns, Jefferson County School Board Chairwoman Courtney Snead was leading challenger Casandra Moses, earning 59% of the vote compared to 40% for Moses for one of two seats being contested in Tuesday’s election.

Farmer Kevin Richards, 37, was leading in the race for the second seat with 53% of the vote. The other candidates — Madras resident Taylor Lark, 33, and Carina Miller, 31 — received 30% and 17% of the vote, respectively.

Snead, 37, said she would try to reduce achievement gaps between different socioeconomic groups of students and continue Jefferson County’s progress.

“I’m excited for four more years to continue to make a difference and hopefully impact our community positively,” she said.

In the past four years, graduation rates at Madras High have jumped from 57% to 91%.

Richards, who lives in rural Jefferson County, told The Bulletin earlier in May that he would focus on giving career and technical programs a boost. He said his other priorities, if elected, would be to fight teacher turnover and maintain a positive culture at Madras High.

The five candidates are all under 40 and came from various areas in the county.

— Reporter: 541-617-7854, jhogan@bendbulletin.com