CHESAPEAKE — Before a vote was cast Chesapeake schools knew the identity of at least one of its new members to the board of education.

In August, former teacher Jeanne Harmon got the unexpired seat of Bill Pratt left vacant when he was named to the county commission.

Current board president Mike Dyer was trying for the two-year seat but failed to turn in the requisite number of valid signatures on his petitions to the board of elections. That meant he was disqualified to run against Harmon.

Dyer was running for his second term on the board. Although his four-year term was up, the Proctorville veterinarian had picked up a petition to run for the two-year unexpired term of Pratt. Dyer turned in 33 signatures with 23 deemed valid by the board.

That left five vying for three four-year terms on the board — newcomers Doug Marcum, Alex Martin and Jerry Frye and incumbents Kim Oxley and David Bennett.

Leading the ticket with 1,252 votes or 30 percent was Frye who had been the choice of two of the members when the board was given the duty to pick Pratt’s successor. However, the two remaining members — Oxley and Dyer — had wanted Martin. Tuesday night Martin pulled only about 10 percent of the vote, according to the unofficial results.

The board deadlocked, forcing the decision to go to Probate Judge David Payne, who chose Ironton attorney Curt Anderson.

At the time of his appointment Anderson said he would not seek an elected term.

Following Frye were incumbents Bennett with 916 votes or 22 percent and Oxley at 810 votes or almost 20 percent. Marcum came in fourth with 743 votes.

“I am excited to have another four years and appreciate the opportunity of the last four,” Oxley said. “I hope to expand upon some of the things we have accomplished like improving the curriculum and upgrading our technology.”

Oxley also cited the current board’s work building a new athletic complex as a top priority.

“Hopefully we have the same goal — to do what is best for the kids,” Oxley said. “And hopefully leave politics out.”

Attempts to contact Frye and Bennett before press time were unsuccessful.

“I am thrilled with Bennett returning and excited about Frye,” Debbie Riggs, president of the Chesapeake Local Teachers Association, said. “We know they will do a good job. And Mrs. Harmon is going to be there. It is going to be a nice year. I was thinking about retiring in June. I think I will stay around for another year.”