Teachers Union Endorses 2 Challengers In Salem School Board Race

SALEM, MA — Two challengers got a big boost in the six-way race for three Salem School Committee seats that up for reelection on Nov. 5. The Salem Teachers Union endorsed Beth Anne Cornell, Kristin Pangallo and incumbent James Fleming. The other incumbent in the race, Mary Manning, did not make the union's recommended slate.

"The Executive Board of the Salem Teachers Union is proud to endorse Beth Anne Cornell, Jim Fleming, and Kristin Pangallo for Salem School Committee," the union said in a statement Friday. "Beth Anne, Jim, and Kristin represent the best possible allies for Salem Educators in our efforts to fight for what Salem students deserve."

The endorsement by the union's executive board was unanimous and followed interviews with all the candidates in the Salem School Committee race.

In the Sept. 17 preliminary election, Manning finished first with 1,944 votes, followed by Pangallo (1,804 votes), Fleming (1,703 votes) and Cornell (1,689 votes. The next closest candidate, Donna Fritz, finished fifth with 1,373 votes.

"As a teacher and a union member myself, it is especially gratifying to have the support and backing of my colleague," Pangallo said in a Facebook post. "During the candidates’ forum last month, I talked a bit about how powerful teacher-led collaborations can be. Next to a parent or other caregiver, a child’s teacher can be their most important role model, inspiration, and champion."

"I’m beyond honored and thrilled to receive the unanimous endorsement from the Salem Teachers Union," Cornell said in a Facebook post. "Teachers are the lifeblood of our schools and critical partners in the work we all have to do to improve our schools."