Sammy Smith easily won re-election Tuesday to another term to the Ward 5 post on the Gainesville Board of Education.

Smith earned 60 percent of the vote to defeat Mike Mauldin.

√ Sammy Smith, 60%
Mike Mauldin, 38%

Sammy Smith

Who is he: Smith works in public relations and has served on the Board of Education since 2008. He has one child.

How he reacted: “Thanks first to my family and friends. This was a referendum on my service on the board, not a referendum on anyone else. When an epilogue of my school board service is written, perhaps it will just say, ‘Smith for the students.’”

On the issues: Goals include continuing “the sound business practices of the school system; to be part of the visioning process in terms of academic/activity/athletic/community needs; to enhance the critical connections between schools and community; and to support our students and staff.

What’s next: Smith will begin a new four-year term beginning Jan. 4.