Dave Stoakes

Incumbent David Stoakes will return to the Webster City Community School District Board of Education.

Stoakes received 776 votes in Tuesday’s election.

Also elected were Kerry Jacobsen in District 1 and Jerry Klaver in District 3.

The road to re-election was not particularly painless for Stoakes.

“The last 10 days have been the most stressful,” Stoakes said. “I had absolutely no feeling what direction it was going to go.

He added, “I’m going to sleep well tonight.”

Stoakes beat Ariel Bertran, who received 738 votes in the unofficial returns distributed to the Daily Freeman-Journal late Tuesday.

In the District 1 race, Jacobsen received 836 votes over Scot Ely, who received 677 votes.

Like Stoakes, once the results were in, Jacobsen, who was waiting at the Hamilton County Courthouse for results, left quickly to put her children to bed.

“I’m very excited and relieved and humbled … it’s a relief to get the results.”

She added, “I’m truly honored to have been elected to the Webster City Community School District Board. Thank you to everyone who supported me, asked questions, and took the time to vote. Our schools are the heart of this community, and I’m excited to work together to keep students at the center of every decision. I appreciate your trust and look forward to serving.”

In District 3, Klaver earned 785 votes; his opponent Amanda Sowle received 701 votes.

Klaver, who was hauling corn after voting Tuesday, learned from Stoakes that he had won the seat.

“I am pleased I won and congratulate all the winners. All the candidates who ran, they were all good,” Klaver said. “I intend to take my job seriously and do the best job I can.”

The big winner for the Webster City Community School Board election were definitely the Webster City students and parents. Even before the final results were tallied, the citizens at large had several chances to listen to the candidates who brought heart and knowledge to their campaigns.

Kerry Jacobsen

Jerry Klaver