How Wichita’s new school board will take shape

It’s now a certainty that the Wichita Board of Education sitting for its Jan. 9 meeting will have the least number of years of experience since 1979.

Ben Blankley’s District 1 victory over 10-year board member Betty Arnold was made official by Monday’s canvass of votes, giving the 2018 board five new members since September.

Sheril Logan and Mike Rodee, the remaining members, have a combined 10 years of experience. Fifty years of experience leaves with Lynn Rogers, Barbara Fuller, Jeff Davis, Arnold and Joy Eakins.

Back in the 1978-79 school year, three board members were appointed and three were elected, joining John Frye and his four years of experience.

Experience was talked about by many candidates during the campaign — incumbents citing its importance, challengers citing a need for a fresh outlook. It’s not going to get any fresher than the new board.

This story was originally published November 13, 2017 at 4:43 PM with the headline "How Wichita’s new school board will take shape."