2 incumbents returned by voters to Pasco School Board posts

Two Pasco School Board incumbents appear headed for third terms based on early returns from Tuesday’s general election.

Steve Christensen and Amy Phillips both are seeking re-election to continue the work they’ve been doing.

Christensen, the board’s legislative representative, got 5,161 votes, or 73%, in preliminary results.

His challenger, Cynthia Ledesma, got 1,917 votes, or 27%.

Phillips, the current board president, pulled in 3,934 votes, or 55%, to challenger Michelle Andres’ 3,110 votes, or 44%

Steve Simmons did not draw a challenger for Position 4, the seat being vacated at the end of the year by Sherry Lancon. He received 5,645 votes.

The Franklin County Auditor’s Office reported that those results came from the 8,473 ballots counted so far. The next count will be done Wednesday evening.

Christensen has lived in Pasco since 2001, with all five of his kids graduating from Pasco High School. He is a small business owner and a mechanical engineer.

Phillips also is a small business owner, and works as a tutor and substitute teacher. She is a member of the Action Team for Partnerships at two Pasco schools.

This story was originally published November 2, 2021 at 9:10 PM.