By Joanie Morris

Salisbury Post

KANNAPOLIS — In an election day shocker, Kannapolis school board Chairman Lee Efird lost his seat on the board.

His challenger, Todd Adams, won by 337 votes on Tuesday night to cinch the seat from Area II on the Kannapolis Board of Education.

Efird received 1,991 votes from the two precincts in Rowan County and 11 precincts in Cabarrus. Adams received 2,328 votes.

Reached on Tuesday evening, Efird said he's been very blessed to have been able to serve on the board for 16 years.

Sixteen years ago, he said he asked the Lord for guidance and direction in his life.

"The Lord opened the door," Efird said, referring to the school board. "I did the same thing this time, and the door was closed. ...

"One door's been closed and maybe another opens somewhere."

He has no desire to serve in any other capacity in politics, he said, adding that he doesn't consider the school board a political position but, instead an act of service.

Efird said he feels very good about the system's position right now and is sure he's leaving his seat in capable hands.

"I'm sure Todd will certainly be an asset to the board," Efird added. "I feel very blessed. It has been some great folks."

The current school board has been the same for the past eight years, ever since Doris Buchanan and Charles Mitchell ran in 2000. Efird has served as chairman for the past 13 years. The chairman is elected by the board's five members every June. Efird's last day as chairman will be the last day in May.

When reached at his home on Tuesday night, Adams' first comment wasn't on his victory, but rather a comment for Efird.

"I want to thank Lee for 16 years," Adams said. "He has served the community and served them well — as well as his family."

Adams admitted he's shocked by the results of the election. He ran on a platform that no current member of the board has a child in the Kannapolis City Schools system.

"People were surprised to learn that no one on the board had a child in the system," Adams said. "I think a lot of people were moved by that."

Adams said his first order of business will be to familiarize himself with all the facilities, as well as meet and greet administration and faculty in the system.

"I'll put my ear to the ground and start learning what we need to do," Adams said.

He thanked everyone who helped him with his campaign.

Contact Joanie Morris at 704-932-3336 or jmorris@salisburypost.com.

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