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All three candidates for the Cherokee County Board of Education ran unopposed, with Jeff Tatham and Arnold Mathews getting re-elected, and James “Jaybird” Ellis winning his first election.
Ellis was appointed to the school board in June after Tim West resigned.
Because of the consolidation vote this year, Tatham expected to get a lot fewer votes than 11,709 he received. He figured half the county was mad at him for the decision, while the other half wasn’t.
“It just didn’t turn out that way,” Tatham said. “I know I was running unopposed, but the people did not have to vote for me.”
Both Tatham and Mathews expressed appreciation for the support from the community after the school board meeting Thursday night.
“I’m looking forward to what I can do to continue to help the children of Cherokee County and their educational endeavors,” Mathews said.
“I’m very proud, and it’s a great honor to serve this county,” Tatham said.