The Eufaula Public Schools Board of Education race came down to a tight race last Tuesday, with Amber Michelle Baughman defeating incumbent Martha Jane Asher.

Baughman received 178 votes to Asher’s 175, a margin of just three votes in the April 7 election for Office No. 1.

The race featured two local candidates, including Asher, seeking to retain her seat on the board and Baughman, who challenged the incumbent in what became one of the closest school board contests in the state.

Baughman, a 19year Eufaula resident, works for Canadian Valley Telephone as an Accounts Payable Specialist and Administrative Assistant and her husband, Brian Baughman, works for Liberty Oilfield Services out of Denver, Colorado.

“My oldest son, Gabriel Mortensen, attended Eufaula Public Schools from Pre-K through graduation and was a proud member of the Class of 2024. My youngest son, Asher Baughman, is currently a 2nd grader at Eufaula Elementary and is active in sports, including basketball, football, and baseball.”

“I have enjoyed being involved in the community, including volunteering as a Little League basketball coach for the past five years. I love spending time with my family and friends, enjoying the lake, and supporting our kids in their activities. We are a sports-loving family and truly enjoy being part of this community.

“Education has always been a major part of my life. Both of my parents began their careers as teachers and coaches and later served in leadership roles as principals and superintendents. Growing up around education and school leadership shaped my appreciation for the importance of schools, teachers, and the opportunities they create for students.

“I chose to run for the school board because I want to support our students, teachers, and staff the best way I can. I care deeply about helping strengthen programs that need more support, giving every student the opportunity to succeed, and helping make Eufaula Public Schools the best they can be.

‘I am truly thankful for the support from this community and look forward to serving with dedication and a strong commitment to our students and schools,” Baughman said.

Pending election certification, Baughman will be sworn in at the next scheduled board meeting.

Current board includes: • Jeff Pippenger, President – District 4

• Amber Baughman- District 1

• Michael Morton, Clerk – District 5

• Braddock Dobbs, Member – District 3

• Alfonzo Chiles, Member – District 2 The three-vote difference underscores how critical turnout can be in local elections, where a small number of ballots can determine the outcome. Across Oklahoma, several school board races this cycle were decided by similarly narrow margins, highlighting the impact of individual voters.

Both candidates appeared on the nonpartisan ballot, as required for school board elections in Oklahoma.