3 Contested Seats In Election For Central Bucks School Board

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Six seats on the nine-member Central Bucks Board of School Directors are up for election on Nov. 5. Three seats for four-year terms are contested. Three additional seats are not contested, as the candidates were selected in the primary to represent both parties.

In region one, Democrat Robert Woodruff is challenging incumbent Republican Karen Smith. Smith is the current board vice president.

In a questionnaire by the League of Women Voters of Bucks County, Smith cited student well-being and mental health as one of her main concerns as a school director. She said her experience on the issues and her time spent working with the existing board give her the upper hand.

Woodruff, in the same questionnaire, said he was "shocked two years ago by the denials of best scientific knowledge on climate by the current Board president, and further disappointed by the absence of rebuttal from other Board members." He further stated "I want a board that stands for science and facts. "

In region two, Democrat Sarah Arva Grosik is running against Republican Dana Hunter.

Grosik, a Plumstead Township resident, is an associate director of curriculum and instruction at University of Pennsylvania. She told the League of Women Voters that the biggest issue facing the district is "the need to address students’ mental health needs, including depression and bullying."

Hunter, a stay-at-home mother from Buckingham Township, said the biggest issue is "ensuring a secure and healthy learning environment" in the schools.

In region three, Democrat Malcolm Burgess is running against Republican Leigh Vlasblom. Burgess, a retired executive, also cited students' mental health and bullying as the biggest concern in the district.

Vlasblom, a stay-at-home mother and elementary school volunteer, said in the questionnaire she is eager to "celebrate the successes of our district, while continuing to improve."

The remaining three seats are not contested.

You can review all candidates and their League of Women Voters questionnaires here.

Here is who is on the ballot for Central Bucks School Director:

REGION 1, four-year term

• Robert A.Woodruff (D)
• Karen Smith (R)

REGION 2, four-year term

• Sarah Arva Grosik (D)
• Dana E. Hunter (R)

REGION 3, four-year term

• Malcolm Burgess (D)
• Leigh Vlasblom (R)

REGION 4, two-year term

• Lorraine Sciuto-Ballasy (D and R)

REGION 6, four-year term

• Sharon Collopy (D and R)

REGION 8, four-year term

• Beth Darcy (D and R)