BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Two incumbents and a Democrat newcomer won the race Tuesday night for three school director-at-large positions on the Bethlehem Area school board.
Democrat Silagh White took the top spot, with 12,835 votes.
Incumbents Michael E. Faccinetto and Shannon L. Patrick, who were cross-listed among parties, were closely behind with 12,756 and 12,717 votes respectively.
Republican Manuel F. Pangaio failed to win a seat, coming in last with 8,833 votes.
White, Faccinetto, and Patrick will serve a four-year term.
Silagh White, the newest member of Bethlehem Area School District’s school board.
Photo: Silagh White Facebook page
White, a newcomer who took to Facebook a few weeks ago to let her followers know that her Irish first name is pronounced like “Sheila,” has a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lehigh University, as well as a doctoral degree in musical arts from Eastman School of Music.
White shared that she has two children who graduated from Liberty High School in the district. She describes herself as “fierce advocate” for the arts and arts integration in all levels of education. She has stated that she will work with special needs advocates to support civil rights for all students, and she will support charter school reform.
Faccinetto, who has served on the board since 2009, and Patrick, who has been a member since 2011, both expressed concerns about the uncertainty surrounding state funding that the district receives each year.
Democrat Winston Alozie was elected as a school director for the first district.
For more election results and other information on local races, you can go to the Election Central section of our website.