Wade Gilkey
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Wade Gilkey was the Zone 1, Position 6 representative on the Fort Smith Board of Education in Arkansas. He defeated Russell Owen in the general election on September 15, 2015.
Biography
Gilkey earned a B.S. from the University of Arkansas. He works as an insurance agent with Shelter Insurance Co. Gilkey and his wife, Kellie, have three children who were attending district schools as of September 2015.[1]
Elections
2015
Three of the seven seats on the Fort Smith Board of Education were up for election on September 15, 2015. In the Zone 1, Position 6 race, incumbent Russell Owen lost his re-election bid against challenger Wade Gilkey. In the At-large Position 4 race, Bill Hanesworth defeated incumbent Rick Wade Jr. Zone 4, Position 3 incumbent Yvonne Keaton-Martin won re-election without opposition.
Results
This election was held September 15, 2015.
| Fort Smith Public Schools, Zone 1, Position 6, General Election, 2015 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
| Russell Owen Incumbent | 24.7% | 295 |
 Wade Gilkey |
75.3% | 900 |
| Total Votes (100% of precincts reporting) | 1,195 | |
| Source: Sebastian County Clerk, "Sebastian County Election Results," accessed September 15, 2015 | ||
Endorsements
Gilkey did not receive any official endorsements for this election.
Campaign themes
2015
Gilkey answered the following questions during an interview with the Times Record:
What do you hope to accomplish if elected/re-elected?
| “ |
I plan to advocate for a niche charter school that will provide unique learning opportunities, or to start a technical, career academy that gives accelerated career pathways for kids in high demand jobs through partnerships with local companies. |
” |
| —Wade Gilkey, (2015), [1] | ||
What are the challenges ahead for Fort Smith public schools?
| “ |
Finding bold leaders that are willing to challenge the status quo for the greater good of our community and the children they serve. [2] |
” |
| —Wade Gilkey, (2015), [1] | ||
What is your stance on the retirement of Southside High School’s Rebel mascot?
| “ |
I feel it was poorly handled and needlessly divisive. Had the issue been held in a fair, open and respectful manner and the community decided to strip Southside of its mascot, I would have been disappointed, but I would have respected the decision. This was not what happened and it was no way to treat the Southside students and alumni. [2] |
” |
| —Wade Gilkey, (2015), [1] | ||
Recent news
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See also
- Fort Smith Public Schools, Arkansas
- Fort Smith Public Schools elections (2015)
- Analysis of incumbency advantage in the 2014 school board elections
External links
Footnotes
