LEWISBURG — All precincts counted in Greenbrier County, the Board of Education’s school bond issue won narrow approval Tuesday, 5,672 to 5,573.

Ealier in the evening, Greenbrier County Schools Superintendent John Curry was pleased with the positive news as the yes votes for the bond seemed to be prevailing.

Curry, who has been leading the campaign for a successful bond call, says all county students would benefit if the bond was passed.

“Opportunities of this magnitude are rare, and through the combined support of the West Virginia School Building Authority and Greenbrier County voters, our children and communities stand to gain safe, modern school facilities to serve generations to come. It is of vital importance that voters understand that the $10.6 million awarded by the SBA is contingent upon passage of this bond call. In order to receive the SBA funding, the bond must be approved,” Curry said prior to the final results being reported.

“We want to make sure voters know that 24.4 percent, or $12.1 million of the total $49.9 million package, is being paid for outside of the bond call. In other words, voters are being asked to approve $37.7 million through the bond call in order to receive an additional $10.6 million from the SBA. Greenbrier County Schools will provide an additional $1.5 million in local share — all of this combined will enable us to complete the projects for the five schools identified in the bond call,” he said.

The impact on individual taxpayers would vary, if the bond passes, Curry said, but on average, many can assume their taxes could increase between $72 to $120 per year for those owning a Class II residential property worth $100,000. The proposed bond would be financed at 7 percent interest over the next 15 years.

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In other Greenbrier County races with just 25 of 30 precincts counted and including early and absentee ballots, Republican Patrick Via held a commanding lead over Democrat challenger and current assistant prosecuting attorney Martha Fleshman.

“I’m very pleased with the results,” Via said.

Via had 6,394 votes, or 57.48 percent, to Fleshman’s 4,727 votes, or 42.5 percent, according to unofficial voting reports.

“I attribute my successful campaign largely to the organization and effort by my supporters,” Via said. “There hard work helped me to gain support throughout the county.”

If elected, Via promised cooperation with law enforcement, a commitment to families and children, which includes “zero tolerance” of crimes against children.

Via also campaigned that he would vigorously prosecute drug crimes, firm treatment of juvenile offenders and an emphasis on domestic violence and driving under the influence of alcohol crimes as well.

Fleshman campaigned on the fact that she was the only candidate who had actual experience as a prosecuting attorney in magistrate and circuit courts.

“I appreciate all the support I received during the primary and the general elections,” Fleshman said.

Fleshman says she plans to continue as assistant prosecuting attorney in Monroe County.

— E-mail: fpace@register-herald.com