Top 8 candidates rank for Churchill County School Board of Trustees

Churchill County voted for its top eight candidates for the school district’s Board of Trustees during Tuesday’s primary. The top eight advance to November where the top four will be elected.

Results were announced at the commissioner’s building.

Out of the 12 candidates and 15,734 votes, incumbents Carmen Schank, Matt Hyde, and current Board President Clay Hendrix passed the primaries; Schank with 2,231, Hyde 1,733, and Hendrix 1,331.

Schank’s total topped the eight, followed by Fred Buckmaster with 2,076, and Tedd McDonald at 1,995.

“It’s very humbling to think that folks have confidence in me and to recognize my goal to improve things,” McDonald said. “Fallon is my home and we have to potential to bring more to the county.”

As well as a former teacher, Buckmaster coached freshman, junior varsity, and varsity football, boys and girls golf, JV baseball within Churchill County High School; Little League baseball, Sierra Youth Football, and served as an assistant FFA advisor and former board member of Churchill County Parks and Recreation.

“I think it’s a great deal,” Buckmaster said of the primary results. “I appreciate all of the support and if I get elected in the general, I don’t want to let anyone down.”

Candidates Amber Getto placed with 1,926; Deby Smotherman with 1,144; and Patty Julian with 1,241.

“I’m excited and privileged to be in the top eight,” Smotherman said. “The next step from here is to get through the top four.”

Getto is a 1993 graduate of CCHS and raised four children in the school district. As she is a small business owner and works in the agricultural industry, she wants to expand the CTE and vocational courses, along with safety.

“I would like to thank my supporters and it’s very humbling,” she said. “I didn’t know what to expect, and I’m looking forward to the general election.”

Julian also is from an agricultural background and is currently a Embryologist Lab Manager Nevada Center for Reproductive Medicine. She also is a supporter of CTE and vocational programs.

Hyde also is an alumni of Churchill County schools, coached sports for two decades, and completed seven months as first term trustee.

Hyde said he would also like to thank his supporters and hopes the people in the community will recognize the work that has been done in his current term.

“I have been blessed to be a trustee since 2014 and look forward to serving this school district for another term,” he said. “I am super happy about the interest that has been shown to what may be the most important election in Churchill County. I will always advocate for the kids of Churchill County School District.”

Schank has taught music, art and third grade after 20 years of service, appointed to the Board in January of 2012, as well as the Nevada Association of School Boards.

As she was born and raised in Fallon, Schank said she works for the community.

“I think it’s all about trust and I think people trust me,” she said. “I’m willing to get out at the school and inform, and give students opportunities to choose from. I’m the people’s servant,”

Hendrix has served on the board for eight years and is serving his third term as the board’s president and hopes to continue his role.

“I’m excited to see what the general election holds,” he said. “I’m proud to being serving on this board for the last eight years.”

Profiles of each candidate can be viewed at lahontanvalleynews.com.