By George Slaughter
Susan Gesoff and Dawn Champagne won their respective campaigns for seats on the Katy Independent School Board of Trustees Saturday.
In the race for Position 6, Gesoff, an engineer, drew 3,324 votes, or 60%, against her challenger Scott Martin, an attorney. Martin drew 2,182 votes, or 40%.
“I was very encouraged by how many people came out to the polls,” Gesoff said. “I was impressed by all four candidates and the clean campaigns we all ran. I think the voters had four good candidates to choose from.”
Gesoff said she looks forward to working with Champagne, and also that she hoped Massey would run again in the future because he would bring unique skills to the board.
“I’m excited to continue the legacy that is the Katy Independent School District,” Gesoff said.
Martin, in a Facebook post to his supporters, thanked them for their help.
“Friends, thank you for all of the support you have given me throughout this campaign,” Martin wrote. “I am proud that ours was a campaign based on ideas. Although we came up short in the vote count, we succeeded in sending a loud message to the board that change is needed. Going forward I will continue to speak out on issues of importance to our district. I hope you do too.”
In the race for Position 7, Champagne, a test proctor for gifted and talented students, drew 3,025 votes, or 54%, against her challenger Don Massey, chief operating officer of Rothchild Commercial. Massey drew 2,629 votes, or 46%.
“Against all odds, we won,” Champagne said in a Facebook post to her supporters. “Despite the fact I did not have any endorsement from the school board, I had the endorsement from the majority of the community. Your support means the world to me, and as hard as I worked on this campaign, is as hard as I will work as a BOT.”
Massey, in a Facebook post to his supporters, said it was a great race.
“Even though we came up short, we are very blessed to be a part of the great district,” Massey wrote. “I pray for our district and pray for Dawn Baur Champagne. Thank you for all of the folks that voted.”
Trusttees Bryan Michalsky (Position 6) and Charles Griffin (Position 7) did not seek re-election.
Gesoff and Champagne will take their oaths of office later this month.
For full election results by precinct, please view the Katy ISD Board Election Tabulation.