Incumbent Paula Lewis wins reelection in race for Oklahoma City schools board chair

Incumbent Paula Lewis defeated two challengers in an election for the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education chair seat on Tuesday avoiding a runoff election.

In Tuesday’s election between Lewis, Niah Spriggs and Jan Barrick, the incumbent earned 53.54% of the vote, Spriggs gained 29.69% and Barrick garnered 16.76%, according to unofficial results from the Oklahoma State Election Board.

More: Oklahoma City Public Schools raises 33 teacher salaries through state’s teacher bonus program

During a debate before the election, Lewis said the biggest issue facing OKCPS is the fear of federal funds freezing as of President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Prior to that, the district’s biggest issue was chronic absenteeism, she added.

Spriggs is the founder and CEO of NEAT Education Solutions, a homeschool collective.

Before the election, Spriggs said the biggest issue facing Oklahoma City Public Schools is chronic absenteeism. If elected, Spriggs promised to implement systems and bring in outside help to address this issue.

Barrick is the founder and former CEO of Alpha Plus Education systems, an education consulting business.

Before the election, Barrick said the biggest issue facing OKCPS is proficiency rates. She promised to vastly improve the district’s low rates within her first year, if elected.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Paula Lewis wins reelection for Oklahoma City schools board chair seat