CHAPEL HILL - Incumbent Greg McElveen will continue on the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools board of education for four more years, along with newcomers Michelle Brownstein and Joe Green.

Six candidates ran for three seats in a crowded race this year.

Brownstein, a retired surgeon and mother of four, made the biggest splash, winning 27 percent of votes in her first campaign.

“I’m honored to have that portion of votes to represent and be there for all kids,” she said. “I hope the sincerity of that message resonated with voters.”

Brownstein has attended almost every school board meeting since June, highlighting complicated budget allotments and taking copious notes. But she said she knows she still has plenty to learn.

“My duty is to learn and do what I need to do to have the experience and knowledge and skill set to make sound decisions,” she said.

In another budget-strapped year, the three winning candidates have all urged smarter spending on programs for gifted and special-needs students.

Brownstein also said it might be good to start budget planning as soon as the system gets final head counts.

“We need as much time as we can to try and be as tranparent as we can,” she said. “The stakes are high.”

McElveen, an independent market researcher, won 17 percent of the votes. Budget difficulties loom large but maintaining a culture of excellence at schools is still important to the system’s mission, he said.

They've also promised to raise achievement for all students in the high-performing district.

Green, director for Upward Bound, UNC’s college prep program, won 16 percent of the votes and said he wants to use his 17 years of experience as an educator to help close the achievement gap. The three defeated candidates were Susana Dancy, MaryAnne Gucciardi and Christine Lee.

“The entire experience has been positive,” said Lee, who will continue to serve on East Chapel Hill High’s school improvement team. “I think it’s a great advantage now that I know those three school board members, too. Now when I have a problem, I know exactly who to go to!”