Going into Tuesday’s levy referendum vote, Shakopee School Board members and administrators were “cautiously optimistic” the levy would be renewed.

By late Tuesday evening they were downright thrilled.

“I think it speaks very well of the Shakopee community that they saw fit to continue to support the school district in this fashion even though it is a difficult financial time,” Board Member Reggie Bowerman said.

The Shakopee School Board will have two new faces around the board table come January.

Shakopee voters elected newcomers Carla Shutrop and Anthony Bonsante to four-year terms on the School Board Tuesday.

Incumbents Steve Schneider, Mary Romansky and Chuck Berg were also re-elected.

(Open attachment below for results by precinct)

Despite three challengers, John Schmitt safely won re-election on Tuesday to a fourth term as Shakopee mayor.

The 71-year-old retired corporate finance director was returned to office with 47 percent of the vote. A nearly 800-vote gap separated him and city Councilor Matt Lehman, who came in second with 28 percent and retains his seat on the council.

Newcomers CJ Walor and Rachel Romansky trailed further behind in the mayoral races with 17 and 8 percent of the vote, respectively.

By Katrina Styx, Correspondent

Both of the Jordan Public Schools referendum questions passed today.

The first question on the ballot passed 1,104 to 829. In doing so, voters approved a property tax increase that would bring the schools $375 per pupil, or about $565,000 per year during a period of 10 years.

Updated at 10 p.m.

With 11 of 12 precincts reporting, incumbent Mayor John Schmitt appears to have won a four-way race. He has 1,787 votes. In second place is Matt Lehman with 1,049 votes. CJ Walor has 570  and Rachel Romansky 256. There are 10 write-ins.

Incumbent Mayor John Schmitt, a retired corporate finance director, was seeking reelection to a two-year seat; challenging him were city Councilor Matt Lehman, an automotive repair business owner; Rachel Romansky, an information technology professional; and CJ Walor, a business consultant.

Open attachment below for results by precinct.

The last precinct to report in the Shakopee City Council race, from newcomer Pamela Punt's home area in Southbridge, pushed her over the edge, garnering her one of two open seats over incumbent Terry Joos by only 73 votes.

Commanding a safe lead for the other four-year seat was incumbent Steve Clay, with 1,724 votes.

Updated at 10:40 p.m.

The Shakopee School District's request is renew its operating levy was overwhelmingly approved Tuesday.

It was supported by 3,527 votes to 1,352 with 16 of 17 preciincts reporting. Only one Prior Lake precinct has yet to be counted.

Updated at 10:45 p.m.

Newcomer Carla Shutrop tallied 2,798 votes to lead the field for the Shakopee School Board Tuesday with 2,798 votes.

Incumbents Steve Schneider and Mary Romansky are next with 2,406 and 2,346 votes, respectively, followed by Anthony Bonsante with 2,083. All four earned four-year terms on the board.

Reggie Bowerman, who was appointed to the board in November 2008, finished with 1,943 votes and newcomer Jeff Lebens finished with 1,736.

The Valley News Web site will provide complete results of the Shakopee city and School Board elections and school levy referendum tonight after the polls close.

In Thursday's print edition, we'll include reactions from the candidates.

Check in often after the polls close at 8 p.m.

Since stories will be updated throughout the evening, we recommend that viewers refresh the Web page periodically.