Election results: Pollard, Swartz, Taylor unseat three school board incumbents; school bond issue passes

     With 14.6% of Jackson County voters heading to the polls, three new school board members, Lance Pollard, Sarah Swartz, and Julie Taylor, will replace current members Jeff Coleman, Tisha Homfeld, and Jan Reding. 
     Reached for comment Tuesday evening, Dr. Julie Taylor expressed her thanks to Grain Valley voters.
     "Thank you Grain Valley residents for your support throughout this election. I am humbled by all the ways you showed up to support me during this election. I have said how much I love this district, but today, I love it just a little more. Thank you for believing in what I stand for in supporting our students and staff. Thank you for believing in me. I will serve you well and make sure Grain Valley continues to be the amazing district I am proud to have taught for and now get the honor of representing. From the bottom of my heart…thank you," Taylor said.
     Additionally, the Grain Valley Schools bond issue passed with 70.84% of the vote. 
     The bond will allow the district to continue with Phase 6 of the GVHS Masterplan, which includes additions to the southwest corner of the existing building. This fieldhouse and student activities addition will include a new fieldhouse gymnasium that seats 2,000, renovation to the existing smaller gymnasium which will become the auxiliary gym, renovations to PE and varsity locker rooms, a new weight room, new student and activity entrance with student attendance office, and renovations to the existing commons/lunchroom.
     Work will begin late spring/early summer, with phase 6 expected to be completed in time for the start of school in August of 2024.
      In the Grain Valley Board of Aldermen race, Ward I Alderman Tom Cleaver retains his seat, defeating candidate Chuck Johnston. Uncontested candidates Darren Mills (Ward 2) and Brian Bray (Ward 3) were elected. Mills will begin his second term on the board; Bray will fill the seat currently held by Alderman Shea Bass.
     Sales tax measures to institute a 3% sales tax on recreational marijuana sales passed for both the city of Grain Valley and Jackson County.