Bayless Board Swears in Election Winners

The Bayless Board of Education bid farewell to one board member and welcomed a new one Tuesday. 

Three candidates competed for two spots in the April election following the retirement of two-term member Ed Tritschler.

Newcomer Mike Fox garnered the most votes with 818, followed by incumbent Jeffrey S. Robinson with 672 to win three-year terms on the board. The third candidate, Stephen E. Pope, lost narrowly with 638 votes along with a write-in-candidate who received 28 votes, according to results certified by the board Tuesday night. 

Fox and Robinson were sworn in at the meeting and the board also set officers for the following year. Jeff Preisack was again nominated to serve as board president with Lauren VanZale as vice-president. 

A fond farewell

The school district recognized Tritschler's service with a plaque and certificate. In giving the tokens of appreciation, Preisack noted that they were selected in light of the retiring board member's prudent nature. 

"We know you are fiscally conservative, so it is small, but it's heartfelt," Preisack said. 

Tritschler was elected to the board in 2008 in what he called "a sort of accident." After the meeting, Bayless Superintendent Maureen Clancy-May explained that Tritschler, who is in now in his mid-70s, had drawn up a bucket list of 70 things to do when he turned 70 years old. One of those was to serve on a public board. 

Reflecting on his time with the Bayless School District, Tritschler said it had been a rewarding experience. 

"I didn't expect to be appointed. I thought they wouldn't want someone who was an elder statesman," he said. "I've enjoyed the four years, and I think you are in good hands."

Check back with Patch tomorrow for an update on the board's plans following the passage of Prop B.