August 7, 2012

A retired Wichita school administrator has defeated a Kansas State Board of Education member in a Republican primary race.

Kathy Busch had 61 percent of the vote against incumbent board member Walt Chappell in final, unofficial results from Tuesday's election the 8th State Board District in Wichita.

Busch had support from groups representing teachers, administrators and public employees, and she raised more campaign funds through late July. She's a former assistant Wichita superintendent and principal.

Chappell won the seat in 2008 as a Democrat but switched parties last year. He's argued schools should be more accountable for how well they educate children and spend tax dollars, sometimes clashing with other board members.

Both support the state's current, evolution-friendly science standards.

No Democrat is on the ballot in November.