The race for the Position 1 seat on the Trumann School Board will be decided in a runoff election Tuesday, Oct. 7. Incumbent Jeff Jones will face Gary Holmes in the election.

In the Sept. 16 school board election, Jones received 270 votes and Holmes had 179 votes. Candidate Greg DeFord received 139 votes in the election. Since neither candidate received more than 50% of the vote, a runoff race was scheduled.

Voting will take place at the Old Community House from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.

Jones has 12 years of experience serving on the local school board and feels that his knowledge of school board business and issues before the board help him work toward the best interests of Trumann students.

"I feel that is very important that the board makes decisions in the best interests of the students," Jones said. "We need to focus on the students and things that provide the best education for our students. I want Trumann students to have the best teachers, the best equipment and the best atmosphere for learning."

Jones said Trumann School District teachers are working hard to improve the school system.

"The quality of our teachers is something to be proud of," Jones said. "The quality of education and the dedication of the teachers in our school system is as good as you'll find anywhere in the State of Arkansas."

Jones is a life long resident of Poinsett County and is employed as a salesman at Wood Ford Sales. His wife, Kathy, works for the Poinsett County Health Department. His two daughters both graduated from Trumann High School.

Holmes is also a life-long resident of Trumann and a 1989 graduate of Trumann High School. His two sons currently attend Trumann Schools.

Holmes said it is time for a fresh outlook in Trumann Schools.

"I am very concerned about our school system," Holmes said. "I would like to ensure that my sons and your children receive the education they deserve. It's time that as a community, we work together to make this town, our home, and our school, a place to be proud of.

"I ask that you give me that chance and your support. As a parent, I will listen to you -- the parents of our children who attend Trumann Public Schools. As a board member, I will voice my opinion and yours."