While many political contests include put-downs and name-calling, the competition to fill Oxford’s vacant school board position, following former Vice-president Kim Shumaker’s Nov. 15 resignation, was devoid of such negativity.

Candidate Sharon Spencer withdrew her application moments before board members could make their decision Tuesday night after she realized she was competing against Jennifer Guthrie, a longtime friend and fellow Oxford resident.

After both candidates were interviewed publicly, Spencer stopped the board to say, “One of the reasons I applied for this was (out of) fear of who might be out there that would go into that role and I couldn’t have been more excited when I saw Jenny,” Spencer told the board. “Her passion for education and this district is just absolutely phenomenal, so I would like to withdraw my application at this time.”

With two candidates vying for the position, Guthrie and Spencer said they both knew they would be running against one other person – though they did not realize they were running against one another.

According to Guthrie, the two became friends 12 years ago through their daughters, Katie Guthrie and Lauren Spencer, who both attended Oxford Schools and played soccer together.

Though the two friends had lost touch in recent years, Spencer said they never lost respect for one another or the bond they had shared.

“Our lives kind of went in different directions and both of us moved to different places and then came back and Jenny’s always had such positivity and energy and enthusiasm for the community and our kids,” Spencer told this reporter. “When I found out it was her and I found out it was a win-win for the community . . . I knew she would serve (the district) very well and be such an advocate for our kids, that it just felt like the right thing to do. I’m there to support her 100 percent and do anything and everything I can.”

Guthrie ran unsuccessfully for a position on the school board in the November election, falling short in votes to incumbent Dan D’Alessandro, Tom Donnelly and Heather Shafer.

“I’m beyond excited and I’m honored to have been appointed to the position,” Guthrie told this reporter. “I was completely taken aback and surprised to see my friend Sharon there, to be honest. That added even more of a feeling of honor for me because I feel like Sharon was equal, or even beyond my level of experience. She is just such an outstanding person. She’s worked in the schools. She was certainly a contender.”

Both Guthrie and Spencer have a good deal of experience with Oxford Schools and a clear passion for the well-being of students and staff, according to the board members.

Board members thanked Spencer for her willingness to step down, stating it would have been a very difficult decision to make otherwise.

“That was so gracious because either one of you would be a huge asset to this board and so, thank you for helping us,” said Secretary Mark Stepek to Spencer during the meeting.

Guthrie was promptly sworn in.