It’s rare for results from the small portion of the North Platte School District in Buchanan County to sway election results, but that appears to have happened this year.
Incumbent Kerry Brooke Hyde received 258 votes in Platte County and an additional 24 votes in Buchanan County, clinching her re-election to the board. The other open seat on the board is not as cut-and-dry. Karen Bartlett received 205 votes in Platte County, outpacing opponent Trace Stone with 199. However, in Buchanan County, Barlett picked up only eight votes compared to 14 for Stone. Each candidate is tied at 213 votes as of press time. If the tie stands, the candidates may settle the tie through concession, a coin toss or a special runoff election.
Candidate Jennifer Hernandez received 121 votes in Platte County.
Brooke Hyde, 42, has two children in the district and works as grain merchandiser for Bartlett Grain Company. She is in her third year of service on the board and wishes to continue her work to ensure a great learning environment for students.
“I was born and raised in the NP district, graduating in 1993,” she said. “Being an alumnae as well as a NP parent, it provides me with a unique perspective. I am very approachable, open minded and have the district’s best interests at heart. Additionally, my experience from currently sitting on the school board is a great asset.”
Brooke Hyde said she believes the district is currently academically and financially strong, but will need to look ahead to potential cuts in state funding.
“The district will have to make up the difference between the projected budget and actual monies received,” she said. “There is also the challenge of keeping the district learning resources updated for current and future curriculum needs.”