Pallone edges out Hawk by 4 votes for Riverview school board

Oakmont resident Melanie Pallone has edged out fellow resident and political newcomer Brian Hawk by four votes for a four-year seat on Riverview’s school board.

Pallone received 1,234 votes (12.25%) to Hawk’s 1,230 (12.21%), according to Allegheny County Elections Division reports.

They were tied at 12.23% after the election on Nov. 5. However, those returns were not finalized at the time. The vote tallies were certified Nov. 25.

Pallone was on the Democratic ticket while Hawk was on the Republican ballot.

“I am obviously disappointed, but the voters have spoken,” Hawk said via email. “Although party should have nothing to do with a school board race, it was not a year to be only (on) the Republican ticket. I needed to do better in the primary.

“As for the count, I was baffled at the tie but just a four-vote margin is almost as crazy. I have had almost 10 different residents apologize to me for not voting.”

Pallone did not respond to an email seeking comment about the victory. She did reply to messages about the tie in early November.

“My goal in running was to see our public schools remain strong in terms of continued programs and fair funding, as well as to maintain safety for our students in all aspects,” Pallone wrote after the election. “It was to give voice to issues needing more focus within the district and in its relation to the county and state. Along with colleagues, I worked to get a slate of accomplished people to fill vacant seats, not to unseat anyone serving the district.”

Five four-year seats were up for grabs this year.

The other winners include: Newcomer Jennifer Chaparro at 18.06% of the vote; incumbent Tara Jean Schaaf at 14.58%; newcomer Jane Miller at 16.68%; and board President Maureen McClure at 15.62%.

Alex DiClaudio lost his bid for another four-year term. He was the lowest vote-getter at 10.48%. Board members David DiPietro and Ernest Tillman did not seek reelection.