Both Debra Bell and Christopher Brandon will head back to the polls in a runoff for the Valdosta Board of Education’s Superward East District 7 seat.

Bell received 37.89 percent of the total vote, or 410 votes, and Brandon received 34.1 percent of the total vote, or 369 votes.

Neither candidate received the 50 percent plus one vote required by state law to avoid a runoff, which will be held Dec. 1. Early voting information will be announced at a later date.

Candidate Chris Burgman received 27.45 percent of the total vote, or 297 votes.

Bell said she is aware campaigning for a runoff will be even harder than working on a regular election.

“People don’t like to come back a second time,” she said.

Brandon said he plans to continue working hard to get his name and platforms out there in the weeks before the runoff.

“I’m still working hard. I definitely want this seat so I can help benefit Districts 1, 2 and 4,” Brandon said.

At-Large

Jeana Beeland was re-elected to the Valdosta Board of Education’s At-Large seat with 74.8 percent of the total vote, or 2,301 votes.

She beat out Thomas Smoot, who had 759 votes, or 24.67 percent of the total vote.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve again,” she said.

Beeland said she plans to see the system continue to increase the graduation rate, improve technical education and make sure all children have an opportunity to progress.