Highlands voters will choose between 3 for 2 available seats in Region 2; other races decided

Nominees for Highlands School Board were solidified Tuesday, with two incumbents and three newcomers on the November ballot.

There are four seats up for election.

In Region 1, which covers Tarentum and Fawn, incumbent Bobbie Neese ran unopposed.

In Region 2, which includes Brackenridge and parts of Harrison, incumbent Debra Lehew and candidate Jeff Thimons secured the top two spots on the Democratic ticket.

With 100% of the votes reported, Lehew earned 264 and Thimons got 218, according to unofficial results from the Allegheny County Elections Department. They were followed by Shane Chesher with 117 votes and Whitney Washington with 116 votes.

Results will be certified in coming weeks.

On the Republican ticket, Thimons earned 116 votes and Chesher got 82, securing the two ballot spots in the fall.

Lehew earned 72 and Washington got 15, according to the county.

“I am beyond grateful for the support and votes I received yesterday,” said Chesher, 37.

“It is clear it will take a lot of work to win the nomination in November. I hope to garner community support over the next few months to help bring in change that community desires. This can happen because with God anything is possible, and God is the glory no matter the outcome.”

Voters in Region 3, which includes a large portion of Harrison, all but decided who will represent their area.

Newcomer Clint Crowell earned the top spot on both tickets, defeating Aasta Deth.

Crowell got 437 votes to Deth’s 216 on the Democratic side, and 247 votes to Deth’s 77 votes from Republicans.

Crowell, 43, is a teacher at Freeport Area Middle School.

“I’m very grateful for the support of the Highlands community that led to my receiving the nomination on Tuesday,” he said. “Moving forward to November, I’m eager to continue the conversation with district stakeholders and preparing for the responsibility of serving on the school board.”