3 incumbents, 2 challengers earn nods in Gateway races

There will likely be some new faces on the Gateway school board as two political newcomers were among the top five vote-getters in Tuesday’s primaries, according to unofficial results.

Seven candidates cross-filed to seek five nominations up for grabs in the Republican and Democratic primaries.

On the Democratic ticket, challenger Susan Delaney was the top vote-getter with 18.2% of the votes counted and the Rev. Scott Gallagher, another challenger, finished fourth, while incumbents Valerie Warning, Mary Beth Cirucci and John Ritter finished second, third and fifth, respectively, tallies showed.

Incumbent George Lapcevich finished last in the Democratic primary, edged out by challenger Janette Beighel, according to the results.

On the Republican side, Ritter was the top vote-getter with 19.1% of the vote, followed by Cirucci, Gallagher, Warning and Delaney, the results showed.

Delaney, 68, said after results came in that she felt “amazing” and the key was her team supporting her.

“I have some very, very faithful and devoted people from every ward, from Pitcairn to Monroeville. They jumped in and made it so easy for me,” she said while celebrating with friends at the Garden City Fire Hall in Monroeville.

If elected in November, Delaney will be the only person of color on the Gateway school board – a fact she sees with optimism and positivity.

“I want them to be cognizant of the things I see that need to be done and maintain my individuality in the goals and types of things I want to achieve,” Delaney said, among them continuing the work of closing the achievement gap between white and minority students.

Delaney was an educator for more than 40 years before retiring, having worked in Chicago and Pittsburgh public schools. She now works as a Gateway substitute.

Gallagher, 46, said he is humbled and excited.

“I believe that we can continue to take steps in the right direction to give the students of Gateway the very best. I look forward to working with the new and current members,” he said.