Low voter turnout didn't diminish the enthusiasm of parents with the Wake Schools Community Alliance, who helped to get three new faces elected to the Wake County Board of Education Tuesday night.

"Of course we weren't sure what was going to happen, but we felt good all day," said Alliance member Kristen Stocking. "It's just amazing to see that the parents have spoken, they really came out to the polls."

According to the Wake County Board of Elections, voter turnout was lower than expected. Most precincts saw between six and 10 percent participation. In Garner, where the race for the District 2 seat on the school board was the only thing on the ballot, turnout was slow, but steady at the Heather Hills Swim Club, which saw more than 500 voters.

"It's very important that we vote for our school board because of the issues facing Wake County," said George Tyler, who is the parent of school age children. "Things such as how the money is distributed throughout the schools and classroom size."

Connie Thompson said he came out to vote for a more conservative voice on the school board.

"The busing, and more money spent on schools, it's unnecessary," said Thompson. "I just want the conservatives to take the political arena and go with it."

Even with a likely runoff between candidates John Tedesco, supported by WSCA, and Cathy Truitt in District 2, voters have issued a clear mandate for change in the way the school system operates.

That poses a challenge for the current board members who support the county's policies, particularly on achieving diversity.

"Looks like we might have a little work cut out for us," said Keith Sutton, who was appointed in August to fill the District 4 Board seat. "We'll be pressing our case and making sure that they understand the impact of some of the decisions that they hope to make."

Deborah Prickett, newly elected from District 7, said she expects to see changes right away.

"Decisions are going to be centered around academics and education," she said. "Not so much busing and moving kids all over, because I think the families really need stability."

The Wake County Public School System serves 140,000 children in 159 schools.