The Colonial School Board Winner Who Won But Declined Spot Explains Her Decision

PLYMOUTH-WHITEMARSH, PA — A candidate who won election to the Colonial School Board with the most votes in November, but who subsequently decided not to be sworn into office, has explained her reasoning for declining the seat.

Patti Donofrio, who was the top vote-getter out of the four individuals who got elected to the school board in November, says she decided not to serve due to personal commitments and time constraints.

"There's not much to it, basically I realized I am just way too busy," Donofrio wrote to Patch.

Donofrio sought to clear up any confusion about her decision to not take office, since she didn't want the community to think there were some underlying reasons why she declined the position other than simply having too much on her plate.

Donofrio, who works as a second-grade teacher in the Philadelphia School District, said work commitments have taken precedence, especially after she returned to in-person instruction, and spends much of her evenings of schoolwork.

She said work this school year has been quite challenging and she didn't really have spare time to devote to attending school board meetings as an elected school director.

Donofrio said she would rather be up front about things than to take on a position and then realize she wouldn't be able to properly carry out her duties in her home community.

The Colonial School District is in the midst of interviewing potential candidates to take over the vacant school board seat in a temporary, appointed capacity.