Democrats Gain Control Of Bensalem School Board

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — The Democrats have gained control of the Bensalem Township School Board after winning seats in Tuesday's general election.

According to unofficial results, longtime Republican School Director Marc Cohen lost his re-election bid as four Democrats won school board seats. The wins will give the party an 8-1 school board majority when the board reorganizes next month.

Former School Director Rachel Fingles was among the Democratic winners on Tuesday. Meanwhile, 23-year-old Rodger Allen will also be joining the board.

The school board race has focused on debate over a new middle school. The school board recently held off a vote to allow the new school board to make that decision.

"I’m sorry to say that I lost last night for the election to the school board in Bensalem," Cohen posted on Facebook. "I wanna thank all my friends and everyone who came out and helped me along this journey. I was fortunate enough to be on the board for 10 years. I’ll never forget all the amazing memories."

Results in Tuesday's general election by the Bucks County Board of Elections are unofficial until they are certified at a later date.

These are Tuesday's unofficial election results:

Bensalem Township School Board

• Kate Pascucci (Democrat) — 9,244 votes
• Leann Hart (Democrat) — 8,987 votes
• Rachel Fingles (Democrat) — 8,812 votes
• Rodger Allen (Democrat) — 8,727 votes
• Marc Cohen (Republican) — 8,257 votes
• Sheldon Per (Republican) — 8,147 votes
• Abby Koss (Republican) — 8,053 votes
• Lee Schum (Republican) — 7,850 votes