2 incumbents, 2 newcomers win nominations in Freeport Area School Board primaries

Two incumbents and two newcomers seem to have secured nominations Tuesday to appear on the November ballot for seats on the Freeport Area School Board, based on unofficial primary results.

The unofficial results from Armstrong and Butler counties Wednesday afternoon showed Melanie Zembrzuski (723 votes), Gary Risch Jr. (661 votes), Christine Davies (622 votes) and John Haven (534 votes) — all of whom also ran on an uncontested Democratic ballot — garnered more votes on the contested Republican ballot than Andrew Vento (514 votes), whose name appeared only on the Republican ticket.

With Risch, Zembrzuski, Davies and Haven in line to appear on both the Republican and Democratic ballots in the November race for four seats, they seem poised to earn the four spots open on the board in November’s general election.

Davies and Haven serve on the school board, while Risch and Zembrzuski would be holding school board positions for the first time.

Davies said she was eager to continue her work on the school board, where she has served for about 12 years.

“If I have secured a spot on the ballot, I will continue to study issues and projects conscientiously, and work to the advantage of our students and our community,” Davies said.

Zembrzuski, running for elected office for the first time, said she was appreciative of everyone who cast their ballots.

“I am hoping to be able to help build a transparent and trusted collaboration between the school board, administration, students, teachers and community,” she said. “I want to serve as a representative of the community, which includes ensuring the fiscal responsibility of the public school district is aligned with the goals and vision of the school board and administration.”

Candidates previously told the Tribune-Review their priorities would include avoiding tax increases and helping students recover from the pandemic’s effects on education. Candidates also discussed better using technology, ensuring transparency with the community and spending covid-19 relief funds wisely.