MOSES LAKE — Both of the finalists in the contested primary for the Moses Lake School Board’s fourth seat described the outcome as “exciting.”

Both incumbent Kevin Donovan, who came in first with 1,662 votes, or 43.7 percent, and his main challenger Elliott Goodrich, who garnered 1,446 votes, or 38.02 percent, said they were looking forward to the next few months of campaigning.

“I think it’s an opportunity to get the message out there about fiscal responsibility,” Goodrich told the Columbia Basin Herald.

Goodrich said with the projects the board is facing — such as the construction of a new high school and elementary school should the $135 million school bond that barely passed last February survive court challenges — will require more efficient and responsible management.

Donovan, who currently serves as the president of the Moses Lake School Board, focused on the challenges at hand as well.

“I’m thrilled with the results, but there’s work to be done,” Donovan said. “There’s lots of work to be done, and I’ll do what I need to do to stay on the board and serve the community.”

Kennel owner James Liebrecht came in a distant third with 695 votes, or 18.28 percent.

A total of 3,803 votes were cast in the race for the fourth seat on the Moses Lake School Board, not including write-ins.

Donovan and Goodrich will face off in the Nov. 7 general election.