In an election year in which Covington County voters were in a mood for change, Jeff Bailey got a strong vote of approval and was elected to a fourth term on the Covington County Board of Education.

Bailey was the only of three incumbents on Tuesday’s ballot who won, receiving 59.65 percent of the vote to defeat challenger Mark wGlisson, who received 40.35 percent of the votes.

“I’m just thankful to the people who came to our side to help us,” Bailey said. “We are blessed to be a part of this community.”

Bailey said from the beginning of his campaign that he trusted the people of Covington County to make a decision, no matter what that decision was.

“They turned out to make a decision for us, and we are thankful,” he said.

Glisson, a chemical engineer by training and the plant manager of Arclin, said he thanks God for the opportunity to participate in the political process.

“I’m very thankful for my supporters. My supporters were tremendous,” he said. “I represented a strong desire in the community to make positive changes our students need and deserve.”

Glisson said he will continue to push for better opportunities for students.

In Place No. 3 of the county school board, local optometrist James Barton defeated three-term board member Lynda Powell. Barton received 52.4 percent of the votes cast, while Powell received 47.59 percent.

“I want to thank everyone who came out and voted – not just those who voted for me,” Barton said. “The turnout shows there is a lot of interest in the school board. I look forward to working hard and moving this system into the 21st Century.”