Dalton Board of Education Election Results Confirm Candidates

The recent election for the Dalton Board of Education featured two uncontested seats, resulting in clear outcomes for both candidates. Manny Meza, who began his first term in August 2023, secured 1,746 votes. Bill Mayo, a Dalton High School graduate and former football player for the University of Tennessee, received 1,759 votes while running unopposed for the seat vacated by Matt Evans.

Evans, who has served on the board since January 2018 and held the position of board chair from August 2019 until September 2025, announced earlier this year that he would not seek a third term. In his absence, the board appointed Sam Sanders as chair in September, while Evans continues to serve as vice chair until the year’s end. Mayo is set to officially join the board in January 2026.

Preliminary results from the Whitfield County Election Office, released at 14:00 on Thursday, indicated “unresolved write-in” votes for both seats. Meza’s position attracted 29 total write-in votes, while Mayo’s received 37. These figures highlight a minor interest in alternative candidates, though they had no substantial impact on the election results.

The Dalton Daily Citizen will update the community on the official certification of these results as they become available. The election cycle has underscored the importance of local governance and the ongoing engagement of the community in educational leadership.