by Alan McArthur
Landmark reporter

The Platte County R-3 School Board will have a new member at the next meeting.

Jeana Houlahan and Karen Wagoner were elected to serve on the board. Houlahan received 524 votes (38%) and Wagoner received 394 (29%) votes.

Alan Williams received 244 votes (18%) and Bill Kephart had 218 (16%) votes.

The voter turnout for the district was 6.8 percent with 822 people voting in the election.

Houlahan said she is excited about her victory.

“I was excited to hear the results and am excited to get to work,” said Houlahan. “I want to dive right in. I want to thank everyone for their support.”

Wagoner wanted to thank her supporters.

“I am honored to be chosen for another three years,” said Wagoner. “I'd like to thank everyone for their support and words of encouragement.”

Williams was unavailable for comment by deadline.

Kephart was reached but declined to comment on the results of the election.

Houlahan will take the seat formerly occupied by Dick Modin. Modin decided to not seek reelection.

Both Houlahan and Wagoner will serve three years terms.

Houlahan was the top vote-getter in every precinct. She carried the Hoover precinct--her home area-- very heavily, winning 59% of the vote there. She garnered 41% of the vote at Ferrelview and outpaced Wagoner and others at key polling sites in Platte City and Barry.

Williams was second to Houlahan in the Barry East precinct, where sources said current board member Mary Temperelli worked to assist Williams in his campaign.