Runoffs likely in several DeKalb school board races

The outcome of the election for several seats on the DeKalb County school board was still uncertain around midnight after polls closed Tuesday.

Several incumbents appointed by Gov. Nathan Deal last year were in tight races that looked headed for runoffs, as was at least one of the three elected incumbents:

• District 1, which includes Dunwoody and Brookhaven, was never in question since newcomer Stan Jester had no challengers; Deal appointee John Coleman opted against running.

• District 2, from Brookhaven to the Emory University area, had incumbent Marshall Orson pulling ahead of the former board member he unseated two years ago, Don McChesney.

• District 3, an arc from Avondale Estates to the southwest corner of the county, appeared headed for a runoff; Deal appointee Michael Erwin was leading his four challengers, but not by much.

• District 4, from near Buford Highway to Stone Mountain, was a contest between two incumbents — Deal appointee Karen Carter and elected member Jim McMahan — and two newcomers, with no one holding a commanding lead, though Carter and McMahan had an edge on the rest.

• District 5, in southeast DeKalb, had four challengers against Deal appointee Thad Mayfield, and seemed headed for a runoff, with Mayfield leading the pack.

• District 6, from Stone Mountain to Lithonia, was a race between board chairman Melvin Johnson, who was elected two years ago, and one challenger, with Johnson building a strong lead.