Two incumbents kept their seats on the Argyle school board, and one new member will join the board after Saturday’s election.

Kent Bateman and incumbents Dr. Debbie Cantrell and John Schinske received the most votes for the three at-large seats, beating out four other candidates, including incumbent Randy McKellar.

At 693 votes, Cantrell led all the other candidates by more than 100 votes. Bateman came in second at 587 votes, with Schinske following him at 578 votes.

“I appreciate all the support. I consider it quite an honor and privilege to continue to serve the kids of this district,” Cantrell said.

She said she plans to continue with the board’s current path toward progress.

“We have a lot of things to accomplish,” said Cantrell, pointing to forming a long-range plan and completing the current bond projects.

As far as celebrating, she said, she was waiting on a son to get off a bus from the baseball playoffs, and another to get home from the prom — and she had a dog at home giving birth.

Bateman said he was “excited to serve the community.”

“I’m looking forward to moving past difficult times and ready to get our community back together,” he said.

Bateman, 41, who works in technology sales management, said earlier in the campaign that he felt there is a need to improve communication between school board trustees and community members.

About the start of his term, he said, “I think there’s going to be a lot to learn.”

“I appreciate the folks who worked hard to get me elected,” said Bateman, who was celebrating at Papi’s Tex-Mex Grill with family and friends.

McKellar, who trailed Schinske by only 29 votes, said he was glad Cantrell and Schinske were both re-elected.

“I hope Mr. Bateman will be a good board member and strive to do what is right and what is in the best interests of the school district,” said McKellar. He said the board needs to move forward with the process that’s in place.

“I want to thank everyone who supported me in my campaign,” said McKellar, who added that he still plans to attend school board meetings and be involved with the district as much as he can.

Schinske could not be reached for comment Saturday evening.

Earlier in his campaign, Schinske said he’s committed to being prepared for every meeting and to work to bring the community back to its goal of providing “excellence in education.”

A lull in growth, and controversy over action to seek the termination of the superintendent’s contract have dogged the district for months.

Some residents said they felt the district could use a change in leadership for various reasons. Others said the current school board members are just doing what they need to do.

Bateman, Cantrell and Schinske also beat out candidates Kim Hinnrichs, Matt Portz and Denise Sizelove.

AMY DODD THOMPSON can be reached at 940-566-6876. Her e-mail address is athompson@dentonrc.com .