3 newcomers, 1 incumbent earn 4-year terms on Penn Hills School Board

Three newcomers and one incumbent have been selected from seven candidates running for Penn Hills School Board.

According to unofficial election results from the Allegheny County Office of Elections, Monica Colbert, Dawn Golden, Reginald Hickman and Nicole Richardson will be sworn in to serve four-year terms in December.

Colbert, 52, a Democrat, was the top vote-getter with 8,874 (22.3%) votes.

Colbert previously told TribLive she plans to prioritize raising the district’s ranking and overall performance. She aims to do this by advocating for “a rigorous curriculum centering on strong proficiency in reading, math and critical thinking, and that we work with community and city organizations to increase exposure and experiential learning in the industries students will enter into.”

Golden, 54, another Democrat, received 8,222 (20.7%) votes. She previously served as the district’s assistant superintendent for special education and pupil personnel.

Golden previously told TribLive she intends to focus on academic achievement and form better connections with district families.

She plans to do this by outlining concrete and evidence-based targets along with shared accountability to ensure students are achieving and prepared for the next phase of their lives and that parents are engaged.

Hickman, 51, received 7,708 (19.4%) votes on the Democratic ticket.

He previously told TribLive he wants to focus on the district’s academic achievement. He intends to empower and enable all school employees to do what is in the best interests of students.

Richardson, 47, an incumbent, was the sole candidate to be cross-filed. She received 6,533 (16.5%) votes, securing the final available seat on the board. Richardson hopes to continue to enhance academic programs, upgrade facilities and create a welcoming, student-centered environment to attract more families to the area.

“Thank you to the Penn Hills community for allowing me to continue the work of moving our district forward,” Richardson said. “My focus remains on ensuring continued growth in student performance, capital improvement and fiscal responsibility. I’m committed to doing the work necessary to keep our schools strong and our students successful.”

Colbert, Golden and Hickman could not be reached for comment Wednesday morning.

Three incumbents, all registered Democrats who appeared on the Republican ballot, were unable to secure seats: Joseph Capozoli, 71, received 2,902 (7.3%) votes; Evelyn Herbert, 63, received 2,809 (7.1%); and Marisa Jamison, 55, received 2,593 (6.5%).