Newcomer By Jacob Mathias

Alex Kochanowski pulled ahead from the beginning of the 2014 School Board race, and remained the top runner throughout the night.

Kochanowski, along with candidate Trish Baker and incumbents Christina Scott and Jeff Presley, were the top four vote- earners Tuesday night.

“I’m the type of person where, if no one’s going to lead, I will,” said Kochanowski from Bliss Education Center Tuesday, where he was the lone contestant to await poll results.

Current board member Robert Larson was not reelected, nor were candidates Samuel Levin, Terri Fink and Patricia Hetzel.  Also leaving the board is current President Terry Rothmann who did not seek reelection.

Kochanowski currently works as a City Transit driver as well as an auxiliary police officer.  He has four children, all in the public school system.  He celebrates his 35th birthday as well as his election victory.

Trish Baker is a licensed attorney and former assistant district attorney.  She is now the Portage County Clerk of Circuit court.  Her two children are now in college, but both attended the Stevens Point School District.

Christina Scott has been on the board for 12 years and Jeff Presley is ending his first year.

The tallies from Tuesday night follow:

Kochanowski: 3,406

Trish Baker: 3,043 votes

Christina Scott: 1,943

Jeff Presley: 1,774

Patricia Hetzel – 1581

Terri Fink – 1516

Bob Larson – 1326

Samuel Levin – 1067