Dave Dennis
After six deadlocked votes, five by paper ballot, the state Board of Education has selected Wichita member Dave Dennis as chairman.
On its seventh try, the board voted 6-4 to hand the gavel to Dennis, who replaces Janet Waugh of Kansas City, Kan., as chairperson.
Dennis was the only candidate for the job nominated on the final ballot.
The board had deadlocked 5-5 on a series of votes between Dennis and board member Sally Cauble of Liberal. Three deadlocked votes were held Tuesday and the item had been deferred until this morning.
On the sixth paper ballot, board member Carolyn Wims-Campbell changed her vote to favor Dennis’ selection.
Dennis voted for himself, along with fellow Wichita member Walt Chappell, John Bacon of Olathe, Kathy Martin of Clay Center, and Kenneth Willard of Hutchinson.
Voting against Dennis were Cauble, Janet Waugh of Kansas City, Kan., Jana Shaver of Independence and Sue Storm of Overland Park.
The board also deadlocked twice on the selection of its vice chairperson before electing Wims-Campbell on a 6-4 vote. The members’ individual votes, on paper ballots, were not immediately disclosed.
The board had earlier tied 5-5 deciding between board members Shaver and Willard.
A vote matching Willard and Cauble also deadlocked 5-5.