With 24,346 or 26.06 percent of the votes, Diane Gordon was the election front runner and is now the newest member of the school board. Incumbent Marge Ito Mitchell was returned by voters with 19,547 votes or 20.92 percent, but incumbent Henri Zander won't be back for another term, coming in fourth with 17,717 or 18.96 percent. Familiar name Matthew Dean, current Campbell City Council member, came in third, receiving 18,370 votes or 19.66 percent, but it wasn't enough to win one of the seats. The other two candidates, Tim Flynn and Mark Graper, received 8,600 votes, 9.21 percent, and 4,731 votes, 5.06 percent, respectively.

Gordon acknowledged that campaigning was tough, but said the real work begins after the election.

"I'm looking forward to serving on the board," she said. "I realize it is a lot of work, but I'm hopeful for the Campbell Union High School District."

At the top of her list is getting the community involved in the district's affairs, she said.

"Reaching out to the community is more important than ever because of the passage of Measure M," she said, referring to the five-year, $85-a-year parcel tax. "If you are asking people to increase their taxes—some of whom don't have kids or have kids who have graduated or are business owners—you have a responsibility to keep them informed and involved."

And although Gordon acknowledged that reaching out to parents and teachers was her top priority, she said she also planned to enlist the support of local entrepreneurs.

"I believe businesses can help with the schools' financial problems," she said. "When schools have had fundraisers, the businesses have stepped forward. If we ask and they are able, I think they will help us."

Mitchell said she also planned to interact with her constituents.

"I'm looking forward to working with the community," she said. "In the past, there have been some concerns about communication, and I am going to address that."

One group Mitchell said she enjoys engaging is students. Mitchell said she works with the Campbell Union High School District Student Advisory Board.

"The school board is there to represent students and constituents," she said. "I feel that it is important to see through the eyes of the students."

And, as a six-year member of the school board, Mitchell said she could bring valuable insight and experience to the district.

"I am familiar with the budget process," she said, "and I understand the educational background of the schools and the curriculum."

In her third term, Ito said she also planned to work on securing additional funding for special education, raising test scores and increasing communication with teachers.

But for Zander, not being part of that process will be hard.

"I'm disappointed," he said. "But I'm not going to take my marbles and disappear. I'll continue to support the district in whatever way I can."

Zander is reflective but satisfied with the work he has done with the board during the last 10 years as a board trustee.

"I'm honored that I got elected three times," he said. "I think the board has done a good job, especially with balancing the budget. And I am proud of our bond program."

Although Zander is sorry to leave his position, he said he was encouraged by the passage of Measure M.

"I'm pleased Measure M passed," he said. "That was the most important. I'm disposable."

Dean said he was also glad that Measure M passed. Although he wasn't elected to serve on the school board, Dean said he plans to stay committed to the schools. And the 2004 loss has not dissuaded him from running again in the next election.

"I'm not crawling under a rock," he said.