save NA schools

A slate of candidates opposed to closing an elementary school and higher elementary class sizes will hold four seats on the school board.

Because three candidates endorsed by the Save NA Schools group won nomination in May on both the Democratic and Republican tickets, the race was basically between incumbents Thomas Schwartzmier on the Republican ballot and Daniel Hubert on the Democratic ballot for the fourth four-year term.

Mr. Schwartzmier received 62 percent of more than 5,300 votes to defeat Mr. Hubert. Tara Zimmerman Fisher, who received the most votes (4,917), Scott Russell and incumbent Ralph Pagone were the other winners.

“It’s incredible to see what has been achieved by a group of thoughtful, committed residents in this district,” said Mrs. Fisher, a 1994 graduate of North Allegheny.

Mr. Russell said he was “excited to serve as a school director for North Allegheny. “I look forward to working with the current and new board members.”

“The results of yesterday’s election were a huge win for the current students, future students, and taxpayers of the North Allegheny School District,” Mr. Pagone said.

“Thank you to our friends and citizens for being informed and educated voters, and congratulations on having your voices heard.”

A candidate endorsed by Save NA Schools also took the two-year term created when Beth Ludwig resigned.

Kevin Mahler, who was running as an Independent, defeated the endorsed Republican candidate, Gary Wenig. The Democrats did not nominate a candidate for the special election.

“I greatly appreciate the efforts of everyone who helped with my campaign,” Mr. Mahler said. “As a school director, I will work hard to represent the best interests of the whole NA community.”

With the election, seven of the nine school board seats will be held by McCandless residents. Mr. Schwartzmier lives in Franklin Park, while board President Maureen Grosheider lives in Marshall. Linda Bishop, who also lives in Marshall, did not seek re-election.

— Sandy Trozzo