SALISBURY — Tuesday’s Rowan-Salisbury School System Board of Education election saw one incumbent successfully fend off a challenger. 

Dr. Lynn Marsh, who represents the Southeast District (Carson High School), defeated political newcomer McKenzie Kelly by a 13-point margin. Lynn’s 30,499 votes represented 56.32 percent of the electorate, compared to Kelly’s 23,141 votes (42.73 percent).

After the dust settled, Marsh thanked her voters for re-electing her to a second term adding that she was ready to get to work. 

“I will continue to act on behalf of all students so they will be successful in their life goals,” Marsh said. “I feel blessed and look forward to the opportunity to be a part of making the citizens of Rowan County proud of their school district.”

Given her experience, Marsh acknowledged that the school board takes a group effort. 

“One person elected to the school board cannot act on behalf of the board,” she said. “It is composed of a group of seven individuals who must reach consensus on any decisions.”

Marsh pointed to school safety as a priority she wanted to focus on. 

“We must continue to create and implement policies to make all our schools safer for our students, teachers, administrators, staff and parents,” she said. “The school system’s discipline code of conduct has been re-written and enforced over the last couple of years. 

“Steps have been taken to ensure safety precautions are in place. Some of these include: resource officers are at all schools and school events; purchase of metal detectors, scanners and wands; buzzer systems installed and vestibules for entry into schools.”

Marsh went on to say that increased compensation for teachers was another area she wanted to address. 

“I want to advocate for higher teacher pay and recognition of their profession because they deserve it,” Marsh said. “They go to school to continue to renew their license. They also need to have Master’s pay. We will advocate to secure them more money and raises because they deserve it.”

Marsh has expressed optimism about the opportunity that Rowan-Salisbury School System’s unique renewal status has presented. 

“I want to make sure we are taking advantage of all the renewal things we have available and that we become a model for the state,” Marsh said. 

She brings an extensive background in education at various levels back to the board. 

“I continue to keep myself learning about education and all the laws and things going on in the state legislature,” Marsh said. “I feel like my background has helped me to become a leader in this profession. I want to continue on the school board to make sure that our kids have a bright future.”