After a contested election for two Temple school district board of trustees positions, Susan Long of District 4 and Steve Wright of District 5 joined uncontested candidate Jerry Pickle, District 3, in taking the oath of office during a special meeting Tuesday.

However, the chance to rest after a difficult campaign never came. Minutes after members took their seats at the Classroom Support and Services Center, the board became embroiled in an emotionally charged debate on the qualifications to walk the stage during the high school graduation ceremony.

After the oath, the board held elections for new officers, with unanimous decisions on each. Virginia Suarez, who last served as president in 2003, was again elected to take the center seat. Two of the board