ROME – A familiar face in the Fairland School District, former high school principal David Judd, will join the district’s board of education members Jan.

Wednesday, November 03, 1999

ROME – A familiar face in the Fairland School District, former high school principal David Judd, will join the district’s board of education members Jan. 1.

Judd won one of the two seats up for re-election with 909 votes. Newcomer Robert Mayo won the other with 930 votes.

The two beat out incumbents Lester Brumfield, who had 359 votes, and Jim Lafon, who had 449.

Other candidates included Greg Crabtree, Jeffrey Gorby and Jim Williams, who each had 238, 360 and 216 votes respectively.

A former principal, Judd said he is looking forward to re-entering the school system he had to leave about two years ago after he became ill.

"I want to serve the community and I want to continue to contribute to the fine academic standards at the Fairland Local School District," Judd said.

After 18 years in the school system, Judd said he is comfortable with the workings of the board and hopes to fit in smoothly.

"I’m just pleased the people had this much support for me," he said. "And I’m thankful to the voters for allowing me to be able to continue to be a part of the Fairland educational system."

A newcomer to the board office, Mayo said he will take his lead from others, but he will not sacrifice his individuality.

"The only way I know to prepare for this position is to go in with an open mind," he said. "There are three board members in there presently and I’ll follow behind them while I get my feet wet. I will also voice my opinion on all issues. I will approach each issue independently and deal with them as honestly and fairly as I can."

Although Tuesday night held victories for Mayo and Judd, others did suffer defeats.

Lafon left the courthouse a little disappointed that he would not serve another four years as a Fairland board member.

He has no regrets, however.

"Whoever’s elected, I just hope that they really support the school district. That’s the important thing," Lafon said. "There are a lot of good people up there who made it what it is today. Whatever happens, I just hope the next people do a good job."

Although he will no longer serve as a board of education member after Jan. 1, Brumfield said he will continue to be involved in the Fairland school system.

"I’ll be involved in whatever way I can," Brumfield said. "I’ve had three kids go through the system and I’ve always been involved in youth sports."

The youngest candidate running for school board, 22-year-old Gorby, said he will not let his defeat affect his future in politics.

"I feel whether I win or lose here that I have no hard feelings toward the school system," Gorby said. "I will be more than willing to do it again next time."