The Surry County Schools Board of Education will see no changes in membership this year as citizens voted last night to keep the current board members in office.

The district four seat was the most closely contested. Brian Gates, 40, was elected to a third term in the district four seat with 1,369 votes, 51.6 percent of the total, according to unofficial results posted last night.

“I’m very happy that Surry County saw fit to elect me again,” Gates remarked after hearing the results. “I look forward to continuing to serve and building on what we’ve already started.”

Gates was challenged by James Allan Jessup, 36, who received 811 votes, and Tony Lowe, 43, who received 469 votes.

Jessup said, “I’m disappointed in the results. I’m just disappointed that people didn’t take the primary seriously, that more people didn’t turn out to vote. But I’m tickled for Brian. He’s a good man ... He has my full support.”

Lowe could not be reached for comment.

Sue Stone, 73, captured the district two seat with 1,838 votes, 67.7 percent. Stone’s challenger, Frank Prince, 46, received 867 votes. Neither Stone nor Prince could be reached for comment.

Sexton Earlie Coe, 61, ran unopposed for the district three seat and was elected to a third term. He received 2,441 votes.

Last night he said, “I’m just grateful that people have enough confidence in me to let me go another four years at this. I’ll try to do the best I can for the schools.”

Goings, 63, also ran unopposed. He was elected to the district five seat and received 2,374 votes. This is the seat that was left vacant by the death of Jeff Hall in December. The board selected Goings to fill the seat until the election, when it had to be voted on by county citizens.

Goings said last night, “I’m still going to try to do the best job I can.”

According to unofficial results, Surry County saw a 9.51 percent voter turnout with 4,133 ballots cast.

Contact Meghann Evans at mevans@mtairynews.com or 719-1952.