Custer County Courthouse, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
SARGENT — All four members of the Sargent School Board who were included on the election ballot have been recalled. The vote comes after nearly a year of contention relating to a principal contract.
The unofficial results for the election were provided by the Custer County Election Commissioner’s office:
- Laura Kipp: Yes, 231; No, 170
- Tammera Moody: Yes, 246; No, 155
- Loyd Pointer: Yes, 253; No: 147
- Martin Riddle: Yes, 237, No 164
The two other board members, Rolland Stefka and Chandra Horky, were not included in the recall.
The situation began in February when the school board voted not to renew the contract of then Principal Cory Grint.
Sargent Board of Education minutes from Feb. 9 show that Kipp, Moody, Pointer and Riddle all voted not to approve Grint’s contract, while Stefka and Horky voted against the motion.
This move was unexpected by the community, who then felt like they did not receive satisfactory answers as to why Grint was not retained.
The recall petition also stated that the board members, “did not follow protocol,” regarding Grint’s contract.
Petitioners were able to gather the required signatures in September to prompt the recall election. The election was conducted by mail.
Special elections will have to be held because all four members were recalled, those vacancies now need to be filled.
