Censured member loses in Peters Twp.

Only two of five open seats filled on troubled Penn Hills school board

At its meeting the night before the election, the Peters Township school board in Washington County censured one of its members over a racist post on his Facebook page.

On Tuesday, incumbent William Merrell fell short in his re-election bid, one of six candidates vying for five open seats. The former chairman of the Washington County Republican Party, who was first elected to the board in 2011, received the fewest Republican votes at 753 — more than 250 fewer than the next closest candidate.

He could not be reached for comment on Tuesday night.

School districts throughout the region have board director seats up for grabs this November. The primary election on Tuesday determined the candidates on those ballots.

At stake in each district is the selection of leaders who will enact policies, adopt budgets and shape the course of education for thousands of students.

Here’s a look at primary results of several contests in districts across the greater Pittsburgh area:

Penn Hills

The enormous financial challenges facing Penn Hills School District show the grave consequences that board decisions can have.

The district is more than $170 million in debt, largely due to a pair of ill-fated school construction projects the board pursued a decade ago. The current board — alongside a chief recovery officer — is tasked with cleaning up the mess, with only painful options currently at their disposal.

In turn, only two candidates filed for the five open seats. Incumbents Robert Marra and Erin Vecchio each won their shot at re -election.

The remaining spots on the ballot could be filled with write-in candidates.

West Mifflin Area

Candidate interest was no problem in West Mifflin Area School District, which is navigating the aftermath of former Superintendent Daniel Castagna’s removal.

Eight candidates were competing for five seats on the board, which was divided in its move to fire Mr. Castagna amid a long list of allegations litigated in months of public hearings.

Winners included incumbents Debbie Kostelnik and Tony DiCenzo, the current president. Each supported Mr. Castagna’s removal.

“I’m just excited that the people in the community are giving me another four years to serve them,” Mr. DiCenzo said. “It’s something I take a tremendous amount of pride and passion in, and I’m glad they’re entrusting me with another [term].”

They join other winners Gina Englert, Matt Blazevich and Jonathan Mattis. Falling short were Kevin Squires and Raymond Robinson, Jr.

Woodland Hills

Under a new superintendent, the district is undergoing a realignment of its schools and ongoing discipline reforms.

Six candidates, including two incumbents, were seeking nomination for five open seats.

President Jamie Glasser and Ronna Currie, who was appointed to fill a vacancy are running to keep their seats.

New candidates include Candice Hodge, Terri Lynn Lawson, Marilyn Scott and Jonathan Ebbitt. Mr. Ebbitt lost on Tuesday.