Bristol School Board candidates William Hartley and Joshua Slagle secured the two available seats, beating out challenger Frank Goodpasture.
At 9:38 p.m., officials finalized the race’s unofficial results. The unofficial results show Hartley garnered 35.6% of the vote, while Slagle and Goodpasture secured 36.4% and 26.6% of the votes, respectively.
Bristol’s voting precincts opened at 6 a.m. and included the First Free Will Family Baptist Life Center, Virginia High School, Bristol City Hall, Virginia Primary School, and Highlands Fellowship. Around noon, Bristol’s registrar’s office had reported 44% voter turnout, which included early voting ballots and mail-in ballots totaling 3,311 and 629, respectively. By noon, the First Free Will Family Baptist Life Center, Virginia High School, Bristol City Hall, Virginia Primary School, and Highlands Fellowship had a respective voter turnout of 408, 435, 240, 491 and 250.
Despite previously serving on the school board, Goodpasture’s experience did not secure him the votes he needed. Goodpasture could not be reached for comment.
Slagle learned he won one of the two available seats just minutes after expressing confidence in his odds of winning.
“I feel pretty good,” Slagle said. “So far I think I’m doing alright.”
Slagle thanked his supporters.
“I really appreciate you putting your faith and confidence in me,” Slagle said. “I have the best interest of your children in mind and the best interest of the community at large in mind.”
Hartley previously served on Bristol’s council. He said he is looking forward to making a similar impact on the School Board.
“I want to see us try and improve education for all of our students,” Hartley said. “We want to create more opportunities and get teachers, parents and staff more involved.”
Like Stagle, Hartley took a moment to thank those that voted for him.
“I appreciate their vote of confidence, it’s very humbling,” Hartley said. “I’m looking forward to serving the citizens of Bristol and helping to create a strong education environment.”
The canvass, which details how many voted for each of the candidates, will be available following the election.
