BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A first-time candidate is positioned to make a strong run at becoming a member of the Bethlehem Area School Board.
Cindy O'Brien, who cross-filed, won the Republican primary on Tuesday night with 3,415 votes, easily outdistancing incumbent Kim Shively, according to unofficial tallies.
O'Brien will advance to the general election in November seeking the lone seat in Region III.
- Newcomer Cindy O'Brien won the Republican primary in Tuesday's primary election for Bethlehem Area School Board
- O'Brien will run in November for one of three at-large seats and one seat in Region III
- Incumbents Karen Beck Pooley, Emily Root Schenkel, and first-time candidate M. Rayah Levy garnered the top votes for the at-large seats
In the at-large race, O'Brien placed fourth, behind the Democratic slate of incumbents Karen Beck Pooley, Emily Root Schenkel and newcomer M. Rayah Levy .
If O'Brien places among the top three vote-getters in the at-large race as well as win Region III, she will get to choose which seat she will take. Both seats are four-year terms.
In Region II, incumbent Michael Recchiuti, who cross-filed, ran opposed.
The Pooley-Schenkel-Levy slate ran on a platform of promising to advocate for students, families, educators and taxpayers in a number of ways. They said the most important task facing the school district and its board members is supporting students’ academic success and well-being.
They also support the district's efforts to invest in its nationally recognized literacy program.
O'Brien pledged to advocate for support for teachers, staff and administrators; make transparency between teachers and parents an ongoing objective; and upgrade safety and security measures at all schools.
