5 Votes Separate Opponents In Central Bucks School Board Race

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

Uncertified tallies in some regions were close on Wednesday morning, including in Region 1, where Democrat Robert Woodruff challenged incumbent Republican Karen Smith.

As of Wednesday morning, just five votes separated the two. It is not clear how many outstanding absentee ballots remain.

"This is a very slim margin and I want to be cautious about making any statements at this time. But the information I have now shows I have won by 5," Smith said on her campaign Facebook page.

In region two, Republican Dana Hunter prevailed over Democrat Sarah Arva Grosik, the uncertified results show. In Region 3, Democrat Malcolm Burgess trailed Leigh Vlasblom by 97 votes.

Here are the current tallies, with all 34 districts reporting:

Region 1

Woodruff (D) - 2,066
Smith (R)- 2,071

Region 2

Grosik (D) - 1,629
Hunter (R) -1,846

Region 3

Burgess (D) -2,027
Vlasblom (R) - 2,124

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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, Plumstead Township resident Grosik, an associate director of curriculum and instruction at University of Pennsylvania, took on Hunter, a stay-at-home mother from Buckingham Township.

Grosik 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, in the same questionnaire, said the biggest issue is "ensuring a secure and healthy learning environment" in the schools

In region three, Burgess, a retired executive, took on Vlasblom. Burgess 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."