VOTE 2010: Republicans sweep New Hanover school board spots

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Republicans swept the four open seat for New Hanover County School Board Tuesday. Incumbents Don Hayes, Janice Cavenaugh and Ed Higgins and newcomer Derrick Hickey beat out the four Democrats running against them.

Democratic incumbent Nick Rhodes was one of the candidates not chosen for re-election. Rhodes says the voters made the wrong choice.

“I think the people in New Hanover County missed a great opportunity to show the world what a great school system it can have,” Rhodes said. “This school system has not performed up to its potential for the time I’ve been in this community, which is more than nine years, and it’s not going to change in the next four years with the make-up of this school board.”

Rhodes said he still feels New Hanover County schools are segregated.

Janice A. Cavenaugh (R) 35,148 15.47%
Don Hayes (R) 33,573 14.78%
Edward Higgins (R) 33,267 14.64%
Derrick G. Hickey (R) 33,258 14.64%
Nick Rhodes, Jr. (D) 25,947 11.42%
Joyce Huguelet (D) 23,629 10.40%
Philip Stine (D) 21,542 9.48%
Wm. Clancy Thompson (D) 20,841 9.17%