Incumbent Pam Teal won the Renton school director race with about 54 percent of the vote, after votes stayed relatively the same throughout the week.

Though the results are clear, director Teal still won’t proclaim victory until the votes are completely counted.

“I am hopeful that the count will continue to go my way and am looking forward to serving the parents and staff of Renton for the next four years,” Teal said in an e-mail.

Challenger Jim Grossnickle, who took about 46 percent of the vote, was the first in years to challenge an incumbent.

“On reflection I did really well with 46 percent, for someone who has no name recognition,” Grossnickle said. “A lot of voters were drawn to my message.”

Grossnickle, a plasma physicist, ran primarily on concerns of the district’s poor math and science scores, while Teal focused on community outreach, touting a long list of community supporters.

“He had concerns that he wanted people to hear, and I think people resonated with that,” she said.

However, Teal feels the math issue is being addressed by the district. It’s just taking time to implement, she said.

Though the campaign was hard work, reaching out to residents wasn’t new to Teal, who was appointed to her position earlier this year.

“Every time I went out and doorbelled, always the support was positively overwhelming,” Teal said.

Most of the City of Renton Council endorsed Teal, along with Mayor Denis Law and 41st District Rep. Marcie Maxwell.

Working her way up through the Parent Teacher Student Association, Teal has about 13 years of experience in the district.

She was appointed to the director position early 2009, after Maxwell resigned.

Looking at further budget cuts next year, Teal said she would favor maintaining classroom size over special programs.

Thursday at 4:30 p.m. Teal had 53.63 percent of the vote and Grossnickle still trailed with 46.10 percent.

The election results are posted at about 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Election results will be certified on Nov. 24.