New Candidates Dominate CV School Board Race

Five new candidates aligned with the CV Task Force committee swept through the primary Tuesday night to put all of their names on the November ballot and defeat a Chartiers Valley school director.

The outcome undoubtedly will have a major impact on the makeup of the school board with at least four members either retiring or losing their re-election bid. Five seats are up for grabs on the board.

, , and all won nominations on both the Democratic and Republican ballots, according to unofficial results Tuesday night.

, who is also partnered with the CV Task Force, appears to have made it on the Republican ballot. School Director received the second most votes on the Democratic side, but failed to also receive a nomination as a Republican. School Director , who was first elected to the board in 2007, lost his re-election bid.

Meanwhile, the five members on the CV Task Force gathered together to watch the results stream in and celebrate their achievements.

“It feels pretty good,” said Stevenson, who received the most votes on the Republican side with 847. “All the hard work we put in paid off. It was a lot of grassroots campaigning, so I don’t think we were surprised. We certainly didn’t take anything for granted.”

Zeleznik received the most votes of any candidate on the Democratic side with 1,660. She said she is now looking forward to carrying the momentum into the fall.

“I’m really pleased,” Zeleznik said. “It was a lot of hard work and a lot of commitment from friends in the district who care and want to see a change. I’m very proud to represent the group in the November election.”

Kearney thinks going door-to-door across the district and meeting the voters was key to the group’s success.

“We canvassed everyone and wanted to talk to anyone who might be out there,” Kearney said. “I’m just looking forward and excited to take it to the next level.”

Huntoon, who finished fifth on both ballots, said it was an exciting atmosphere as the votes rolled in Tuesday night and the outcome became evident.

“I’m pretty excited that all five us got into the general election,” Huntoon said. “It’s very exciting for all us and hopefully we’ll be able to continue it through to the general election.”

Alauzen, who will only be on the Republican ballot, said the group will now pivot toward the general election in November.

“I think I learned for the fall what I need to concentrate on and where I need to be focusing,” Alauzen said.

Poletti could not be reached for comment. Besides Ohliger, candidates and also did not receive enough votes to be nominated by either party.

Click on our to view all of the unofficial results.