Calhoun County, AL – The recent local elections in Calhoun County concluded with most positions being uncontested. However, the Calhoun County School Board race saw a competitive field, with ten candidates vying for seats. The winners of the election were current board members Mike Almaroad, Tobi Burt, and Michael Webb, who each secured their re-election. The race also introduced newcomers Allen E. George, Joe Lathers, Alan Mange, and Bobby R. Tittle, all of whom are joining the board for the first time.
Michael Webb, reflecting on his re-election, shared his gratitude for the opportunity to serve again, noting how much his approach to campaigning had evolved. “I mean for me it’s just it’s an honor to be able to do it again. The first time that I ran I really did not know many of the people in the different communities other than the Welvern community where I live,” he said. Webb recalled how the initial campaign six years ago was challenging as he worked to connect with voters in every corner of the county. “So that first campaign six years ago was really a challenge to try to reach all the corners of this county and just to get your name out there enough,” he said. This time around, Webb found the campaign more enjoyable due to the relationships he had built with the community over the years. “It was more personal for me. It was more getting to talk to the people that I have met and the people that I know in those communities.”
Tobi Burt, the current president of the Calhoun County Board of Education, also expressed his enthusiasm about being re-elected for a third term. “It’s exciting to be reelected for a third term on the school board. I truly have enjoyed the opportunities that I’ve been given to serve our local communities, our faculty, staff, and children,” Burt shared. He emphasized the honor of serving a school system he knows intimately. “I’m a product of the Calhoun County school system, so it truly is an honor to be able to serve a system that’s been so good to me,” he said, noting that his children and soon-to-be grandchildren are also part of the school system. He also praised the diversity of candidates in the election, saying, “It really is an honor to be reelected given that opportunity to be trusted by others to try to make it as good as it can be.”
Mike Almaroad, who retained his seat, expressed his excitement about working with the newly elected board members. “Looking forward to working with this group of gentlemen over the next six years. We have a great system, a great superintendent, and I’m very thankful for the support during this election,” he said.
Allen E. George, one of the new board members, shared his gratitude for the overwhelming support he received. “I went to eat with my wife and younger daughter, then we ran by a few polling places to send the results to a group that was totaling our votes before the Sheriff’s Office posted them,” George said. He expressed his excitement about his new role, adding, “I am incredibly overwhelmed with the support and thank everyone that has been along for this ride since the beginning. I can’t wait to get to work for the students and stakeholders!”
As the new board members prepare to take their seats, the future of Calhoun County schools looks promising, with both familiar faces and fresh perspectives committed to continuing the positive direction for the district.
