When the dust cleared after Tuesday’s election, many incumbent school board members countywide were voted out. It could mean voters just wanted a change. Or it could be a more systematic reaction to entrenched incumbents and the feeling that all is not well in the electorate.

Whatever, come July 1, new school board members will begin making decisions on area school policies. Many of them had been lay observers of the education process while others were involved directly in education.

There are naturally going to be some hard feelings among those who lost, especially entrenched incumbents who invested a number of years as a school board representative. But it is hoped that those feelings can be channeled back to education and doing what is right for students.

Howard “Bud” Badger, who lost a seat in Elwood, said, “I’m concerned for my community and teachers. We’ve brought two new members on with little experience and little understanding of what goes on. When you become a member of the board, there’s a learning curve. These people haven’t been to a board meeting in a year and a half so they have no idea what’s going on.”

The law places few restriction on who runs for office, notably age, citizenship and where they live.

George “Chip” McFerran lost his Alexandria seat after 16 years and was more pragmatic about defeat when he said, “It’s been an honor and a privilege to serve the last 16 years as a school board member. ... And I’d like to wish the new board good luck.”

Now it’s time to take McFerran’s sentiment a step further. The victorious challengers and defeated incumbents need to get together before July 1 and share the wealth on issues affecting the school systems they hold dear to their hearts.

Badger, who was once a first-time school board member, should be busy bringing the newcomers up to speed rather than lamenting them being on the board.

The incumbents have a wealth of information and knowledge to share with new board members. It’s in this spirit, which is akin to sportsmanship, that the past and current board members come together to work on issues facing education without missing a beat.

Of course, the challengers are not going to enter as a blank slate. They won their seats by having new ideas that challenged the status quo.

We’d like to echo McFerran by thanking all of the outgoing incumbents for their time and service to education. As Badger said, it is a learning curve. It takes dedication and a lot of hours to study education issues and find which ones will work for their particular systems. They should be commended for their service.

For the new members, congratulations on becoming public servants and the responsibilities accompanying. Your new job will take your undivided attention as you pursue excellence for the children in your school district. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and call the person you replaced with questions. We have a feeling they will be more than glad to help because they share the community vision of vital and energetic schools.