UPDATE: Here’s Rob Pope’s latest note…

The difference remains 26 votes, on absentee/early voter ballots. I hope this provides final closure on the election and allows everyone to move forward. It is my sincere wish that we focus on providing support to all students and teachers and continue to make all the schools in Decatur the best schools.

Dave reports that the recount didn’t change the outcome of the At-Large School Board seat where Valarie Wilson defeated Rob Pope by just 26 votes.

I confirmed late last week that Rob Pope had requested a recount in his bid for the At-Large School Board seat, but was asked to keep it quiet until after the recount was completed since there wasn’t much hope that the results would change.

In the meantime, InDecatur reported an unconfirmed rumor and then confirmed it with the city.

I recontacted Rob this morning.  Here’s his official response to the recount rumors…

I have officially requested a recount and the Board of elections has agreed that pursuant to Georgia Code (election results being within 1%) a recount will be completed. Many people have asked about a recount and I want to bring closure on the issue and move on with helping out in the schools.

Thanks,

Rob Pope

The recount will take place tomorrow at 10am.

Here are the campaign disclosures (in PDF format) for Decatur School Board candidates for the month of October.

At-Large

Valerie Wilson – Total Oct. Contributions – $3,645 / Total Oct. Contributions less than $101 – $1,695

Rob Pope – Total Oct. Contributions – $2,024 / Total Oct. Contributions less than $101 – $683

School Board District 1

Mark Wisnieski – Total Oct. Contributions – $1,570 / Total Oct. Contributions less than $101 – $525

Garrett Goebel – Total Oct. Contributions – $360 / Total Oct. Contributions less than $101 – $360

School Board District 2

Bernadette Seals – Total Oct. Contributions – $0 / Total Oct. Contributions less than $101 – $0

Don’t forget about tonight’s City Commission and School Board Forum at Oakhurst Elementary!

Michael sends in the details…

The forum kicks off at 7 p.m., with School Board candidates Valarie Wilson and Rob Pope answering questions from the audience in the first hour. Both will make closing statements just before 8 p.m.

After which, City Commission candidates Kyle Williams and Patti Garrett answer questions. The forum wraps up at 9 p.m.

Note cards and pens will be provided to audience members at the forum — and they may submit questions anonymously if they prefer.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend so if anyone feels like giving a recap of the action in the comments section post-forum, I’d be most appreciative!

Here are the campaign disclosures (in PDF format) for Decatur School Board candidates for the month of September.

At-Large

Valerie Wilson – Total Sept. Contributions – $700 / Total Sept. Contributions less than $101 – $550

Rob Pope – Total Sept. Contributions – $1341.13 / Total Sept. Contributions less than $101 – $772.23

School Board District 1

Mark Wisnieski – Total Sept. Contributions – $1045 / Total Sept. Contributions less than $101 – $645

Garrett Goebel – Total Sept. Contributions – $1365.36 / Total Sept. Contributions less than $101 – $33.25

School Board District 2

Bernadette Seals – Total Sept. Contributions – $0 / Total Sept. Contributions less than $101 – $0

Laura and Judd write in with a link to Rob Pope’s newly launched campaign website for the at-large seat on the city’s school board.

On the site, not only will you find the truly great pic above, but also Rob’s bio and his stated goals.  Improving communication between the city commission and school board, along with wider implementation of surveys, top his list of specific action items.

Judd writes in with news that he’s confirmed that Clairemont Saturday Math Academy coordinator Rob Pope will run for Valerie Wilson’s vacated spot on the Board of Education.

Though Rob doesn’t have a website or statement yet, Judd points to this Decatur edTV video about the Clairemont Math Academy to get a good introduction to Rob.