SOUTH POINT — Two retired educators, a grandmother and a Marathon employee are vying for two seats on the South Point Board of Education.

The only apparent campaign issue comes from first-time office seeker Rose Christian who wants to see a reduction in the number of executive sessions the board calls during its meetings.

“The main thing I would like to change is to have the school board out … where it is out in the open,” Christian said. “I know you have to have some executive sessions, but I don’t think it should all be in the back.”

Special needs children are another concern of Christian whose son, Mark Christian, is an assistant superintendent for the district and daughter, Angela Roberts, is a teacher at South Point.

“I think there is too much politics. I am not a politician, just a mom and a grandmom,” she said. “I want to make sure the taxpayers’ money is spent wisely and on the children. I want the children to get the best education from the money that is spent on them. We want our money to be spent right.”

Rita Vance had 36 years as a science teacher at South Point before she retired. Like Christian, this will be Vance’s first run for public office.

“It was just a way to give back the time and my educational experience to the South Point community that has been there for my family and me for the past 40 plus years,” Vance said. “I just like to keep the South Point district moving ahead in a positive direction for students and schools. … I believe a strong school system is the basis of a strong community. I want to be a part of that.”

Terry Blake, a shift foreman at Marathon Oil’s maleic anhydrid plant, spent 12 years on the school board before going off for the past two years.

“I enjoyed it,” he said. “I found I missed it and sort of wanted to get back on there and do what is best for the kids. My whole thing is doing what is best for kids. A clean, safe environment that is my biggest goal and educate them as best we can.”

The second veteran educator wanting on the school board is Les York, who offered his positions through email.

York had more than 30 years experience as a teacher and principal at Sheridan, Burlington and South Point elementaries and at South Point Middle. He was also an administrative assistant to the superintendent.

“I feel this experience can be of value if I am elected to help solve issues that might come to the board,” he wrote. “I have always loved being an educator and if I am elected to the board, I will work hard for the students, staff and parents so that we can all be proud of our schools.”

The winners in November will join Mary Cogan, Tom Roberts and Randy Keffer. Dale West and John Sherman are going off the board.