Newcomers Jackson, Coutlee join incumbents Swan and Jepsen on SD58 board

MERRITT — The next meeting of the Nicola-Similkameen School District (SD58) will have some new faces at the board table following Saturday’s (Oct. 17) municipal election.

After the ballots were counted, incumbents Justin Jepsen and Gordon Swan were returned to the SD58 board where they will be joined by newcomer Stu Jackson as one of three elected officials that represent the City of Merritt.

Jepsen was the top voter-getter at 977 followed by longtime trustee – and current board chair – Swan who received 917 votes. Jackson finished with 830 votes, and he’ll replace veteran John Chenoweth who did not seek re-election.

Leroy Slanzi (821 votes) and Tim Manuel (607 votes) were unsuccessful in their bid to represent Merritt on the SD58 board.