The race between McCray and McCray in Lafayette County was finally decided Tuesday.
McCray has won.
That would be Marion McCray, the incumbent of the Lafayette County District 3 School Board. She triumphed against her opponent, Mary Anne McCray – the two being sisters-in-law.
The results showed that Marion McCray had 1,600 votes (56.4%) and Mary Anne McCray had 1,236 votes (43.6%).
This rings true with what occurred during primaries, with Marion McCray winning with a total of 851 votes (45.1%) and Mary Anne McCray, having 625 votes (33.1%).
“Well of course I want to say thank you so much to all the voters,” Marion McCray said. “I have prayed to God since the beginning of this election for this and now I feel so blessed.”
“I am honored by the confidence the confidence the voters had placed in me,” Mary Anne McCray said. As polls closed, she said she planned to attend her granddaughter’s drama presentation.
Marion McCray has been the incumbent for 8 years.
During the race, Marion McCray was entirely self-funded, spending a total of $6,000 on this campaign. This money went towards things like signs, postcard mail-outs and even the purchasing of stamps.
Marion McCray said that with her experience as a principal and educator, she was well versed in the county’s issues and legislation.
“Knowing the statues, I think as a principal you need to be very cognizant of the legislation that comes down every year,” Marion McCray said. “Statues change a little bit and what you need to do for your students changes a little bit.”
Lafayette County has been an “A” school district for the past 5 years, according to the Florida Department of Education. Marion McCray said she wants to make sure that students have the opportunity to choose their own career path whether that be to college or some type of vocational school.
“I have worked diligently to make the best decisions based on student needs, not a personal agenda,” Marion McCray said.
"Excellence is not a point you reach. It is a commitment you make to keep improving."