Wyandotte Voters Elect Newcomer, 2 Incumbents to School Board

Wyandotte voters filled three seats Tuesday by returning two incumbents and electing one newcomer.

Incumbents Dana Browning and Robert Kirby were given another four-year term, along with resident Stephanie Miello.

Kelly Kohlstrand and David Shalda were unsuccessful in their run.

Vote totals were Browning, 1,095; Miello, 972; Kirby, 830; Shalda, 759; and Kohlstrand, 673.

Incumbent Jerry Kupser did not seek re-election.

In addition to waiting for the election results, Browning also was busy attending her child's band concert at . After that, she went over to to watch the numbers come back. She enjoyed a congratulatory dinner with her family at afterward.

She said she's excited about the new make up of the board and is looking forward to continuing her work with Kirby and getting to know Miello.

"Stephanie will be a plus for the board," Browning said. "She seems like a very nice person and has her heart in it for the kids."

While she came out on top as far as votes go, Browning said it doesn't phase her one bit.

"It’s not important to me in the least that I got the most votes," she said. "What's important to me is that we do what's right for these children. That’s what’s important. Keeping our budget balanced and always remembering to put the kids first."

Miello credits her success to having a strong message and a wide array of supporters.

"I think I have a really strong network of friends who happen to be moms and engaged in the schools and also with my son being in hockey," she said. "I couldn’t have done this without the support of a lot of people. I’m humbled by all of the support I got."

Miello said she has her eyes set on a few top priorities once she takes office in July.

"My biggest concern is to continue progressing the schools academically," she said. "I think there are going to be a lot of distractions with how the (state) funding situation is going to affect the schools, which is a concern. But I think the importance needs to remain on moving academics forward."

Kirby said he felt honored to get elected to another term and is looking forward to helping solve the challenges that lie ahead.

"It’s nice to know the people want me to still represent them," he said. "Our biggest thing right now is the budget. I think everyone knows that. We’re not balanced as of right now. We have a deficit of anywhere between $1 million and $1.7 million.

"We’re really at the mercy with the state when it comes to funding. … We’ve put together 10 years straight of balanced budgets. I know we can do it again. It won’t be easy, but I’m looking forward to rolling up our sleeves and getting started.”

Kirby said he's pleased with how the district is progressing since the announcement earlier this year that three high-level executives, including , are retiring in June. All of the positions have been filled with the exception of business manager, which should be filled at either of the next two board meetings.

"I think we have a good group in there who will work to get things done," Kirby said.

Of the 19,267 registered voters in the city, 1,790 cast ballots in Tuesday's election, resulting in a 9 percent turnout.