At least one incumbent is out of the Hempfield Area School Board race.
Eleven candidates fighting for five open seats ousted Paul Adams, who in this week’s primary received almost 9% of the votes on the Republican ballot and over 10% on the Democratic ballot.
“I think there’s some very serious issues facing all school districts, but especially Hempfield,” Adams said Wednesday. “I hope the new people that are going to be likely serving come November are up to the task. I’m a little concerned that some of the things I’ve seen online just don’t really have any reflection of reality in terms of budget, priorities, the situation the district is actually in.”
Property taxes that have increased over the past seven years spurred several people to run as school board candidates. Following Tuesday’s primary, cross-filed candidates Tony Bompiani, Vince DeAugustine, Mike Alfery and incumbent Jeanne Smith along with Republican candidate Jennifer Bretz and Democratic incumbent David Iwig will vie for five open positions in November.
Candidates Debra Naeger, who ran for a board position in the past, Rick Smith, Paul Berginc and Roccie Waldron will not move forward.
Taxes have risen an average of 2.21 mills annually since the 2014-15 school year. School board members seemingly put a stop to the pattern this month when they approved a preliminary $98.1 million budget for the 2019-20 school year that did not include a tax hike.
The six candidates are also hoping to tackle budget concerns, school safety and infrastructure moving into the general election.
“I feel very honored that people have enough confidence to put me in on both tickets,” said Bompiani, who previously served on the board. “I look forward to helping the kids and students.”
Smith, who is serving her second term, said, “My hope is that we’ll all work together for the benefit of the district and the community, and usually that has been what has happened. We’ve had an excellent board from my perspective for the last eight years and that is my hope moving forward.”
