Augusta residents in Ward 4 have elected Bobby-Jo Bechard to the Augusta Board of Education.

Bechard received 702 votes. She ran against Jaden Siracusa, who received 453 votes and William Clardy, who received 311 votes.

She will replace longtime board of education member Kati McCormick, who decided not to run for reelection.

Bechard, 51, a lifelong Augusta resident, has four children who attended Augusta schools. She decided to run for the position after she learned that speaking up for change can make a difference in the community. Bechard wants to help the district with its communication efforts and to continue supporting all students.

If Clardy, 67, were elected, he wanted to help the school district run more proactive meetings while instilling the basics back into the classroom.

Siracusa, 28, wanted to help make the school system better for students who fall between the cracks.