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By LIndsey Hilty Updated 12:10 PM Wednesday, November 4, 2009

LIBERTY TWP. — One incumbent and two new candidates will take seats on the Lakota Local School District's board of education this January.

Board Vice President Joan Powell led the race from the start, finishing with 11,196 votes at 25.99 percent of the total 43,079 votes cast, according to final unofficial results from the Butler County Board of Elections Nov. 3.

As board vice president, she has served on the board for 12 years.

"Obviously I'm gratified by the confidence the voters of the Lakota School District continue to have in me," she said. "It will be my privilege to continue to serve them on the board of education. We have lots of challenges ahead of us, so there is going to be a lot to deal with."

Ben Dibble followed with 9,644 votes at 22.39 percent.

"I'm very excited to have been elected, and I'm very grateful to all the people of Lakota for putting their confidence in me," he said.

Ray Murray took the third spot with 8,021 votes at 18.62 percent. He was unable to be reached for comment.

Sitting board President Jamie Green came in fourth with 7,671 votes at 17.81percent.

Green congratulated the winners, and said she felt satisfied in her service the past four years.

"From my part, I didn't come on the board of education to work for reelection," she said. "I came on the board of education to work for change. Change was much more important to me, and on the four years I have served on the board I have accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish."

She said her accomplished goals included changing the way the district spends money, hires and evaluates staff, engages the community and advocates on its behalf, and holds the district accountable.

"These improvements make our service to Lakota students and our community better," she said.

Douglas Cooper received 6,547 votes at 15.20 percent and declined to comment Tuesday.

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