LAKEWOOD — Lakewood school board candidates Amy Williams and Jahna Smith look almost certain to head to the general election this fall, especially with the withdrawal of Karl Fitterer from the race.

Although Fitterer is no longer running for the Director District 3 position, he ended his candidacy too late to be withdrawn from the ballot, and still received 17.63 percent of the vote, or 210 votes.

Smith, the incumbent appointee to the seat, received 31.4 percent, or 374 votes, while Williams received 48.11 percent, or 573 votes, as of Aug. 4.

Smith admitted that she hadn’t initially expected other candidates to enter the race, but she touted the benefits of such a contest.

“It’s been a great learning experience,” Smith said. “It’s helped raise questions that might not have been asked otherwise.”

Smith credited her time on the board with teaching her a great deal about the district.

“This board is hard-working and very dedicated to our kids,” Smith said.

Williams wished that voter turnout had been higher for the primary, since she believes that as many people as possible should vote. Although she looks forward to taking part in board meetings, she feels it’s just as important for board members to go outside the boardroom.

“I believe in taking a hands-on approach,” Williams said. “Visit classrooms, talk with the teachers, see how the district functions on the ground. Lakewood is a great district, and it’s my district. I went to school here, as have all four of my children. It’s easier to keep track of it when your kids are coming home and talking about their day at school.”

Smith has invested effort of her own in the district, helping to organize a successful campaign for the $66.8 million bond that’s paying for the new Lakewood High School.

While Smith plans to utilize the social media that proved so fruitful in her bond campaign, Williams pledged to step up her doorbelling.