Conservative candidates dominate local race

Camp, elected for the Western District, had what he considers a normal day today — picking vegetables from his garden and answering emails with the news on television at his residence.

Among the speculations of issues that may have decided this election, Camp believes Americans are ready for a change, there’s more of a move toward conservatism, and the radical agenda of transgenders and critical race theory decided the election.

“That turns a lot of people off. I have not spoken to one parent that was ever in favor of boys being in girls’ sports, restrooms, or locker rooms. … Never,” Camp said. “I think those are the things that propelled us conservative candidates to be elected.”

Camp, a member of the Republican Party, ran with no opponent, securing 34,661 votes.

When asked about changes he’d like to see in BCPS, he highlighted school report cards, radical agendas, and the move toward conservatism. Camp spoke about improving learning and teaching in middle schools.

“I did take a look at the school report cards. One thing I saw was that there were real struggles in terms of scores on the part of the middle schools,” Camp said. Camp, being a former middle school teacher, said middle school teachers need extra help.

“Tightening up discipline procedures and getting more adult bodies on campus. Aides to teachers, so teachers are a little more freed up to teach,” Camp added.

In the Central District vote, Sonya Rockett defeated Don Hemstreet securing 66% of the vote.

Rockett expressed excitement to start work on the board and highlighted her focus areas.

“The first order of business will be learning what my role is as a board member,” Rockett said. “Until you are really in position, you really don’t know what you’ll be called to do or how it works.”

“One of the top orders of business will be to look at the new school down at the eastern part of the county. Look at the property and land acquisitions and talk to those citizens down there and figure out what they want and how they feel about things,” Rockett said.

Hemstreet was in good spirits as he gathered his campaign signs today. He’s hopeful that as long as the board will work together for the common good of the district, BCPS will continue to be a great district.

“I’m always hopeful,” Hemstreet said. “We’ve got some good board members. My hope and prayer is that we have some incoming members that can keep out of politics as much as possible and come together for the common good of the kids, administration, and students.”

“When people come and hear some of the numbers — there’s always room for improvement. When you come on a board you have all these ideas about things you’d like to change, but then you realize, a lot of things you can’t change because of funding, but you come together and look at the positive side of things,” Hemstreet said.

Hemstreet commended the Republican Party for their win.

“The folks spoke, they did it. The Republicans were well organized and well funded. They did a good job,” Hemstreet said. “The important thing is if you can realize there’s something bigger than just you there or a political party. … It’s these kids and the system.”

Wycoff showed appreciation for the support he’s received during the election. Wycoff won Burke County Board of Education At-Large against Sharon Everhart with 30,361 votes.

“Very appreciative to be elected as representative of the county … of the people. I’ve had a lot of support, a lot of people working the polls to help me,” Wycoff said. “I’m very appreciative of all of it and I look forward to working with Dr. Swan and the rest of the administration and get started on Day One.”

Everhart on the other hand was surprised at Hemstreet’s loss, but not as surprised by her own.

“I had expected to lose because I’m a newcomer to this whole thing. That Evangelical group has a strong constituency,” Everhart said. “I was shocked that there were no citizens and parents coming to the school board meetings. I thought there would be more people that would be concerned.”

Everhart, who’s attended nearly all school board meetings this year, said it is less likely she will attend moving forward.

Jeffrey Reid Beck won for the Eastern District, securing 100% of the vote. Beck received 34,598 votes with no opponent. The Paper reporter was unable to reach Beck for a comment.

New members of the board are set to be sworn in early December.