According to unofficial results with some mail ballots to be counted, Christopher Cook, the only incumbent who is also a Republican, won his re-election with 4,468 votes — the fifth highest number of votes cast.

Others who appear to have won seats include Bob Pacifico with 5,555 votes; Mike Pappas with 5,535 votes; John Romanowicz with 5,537 votes and Justin McCaulley with 4,765 votes.

Democrats Bridgette Jackson received 3,304 votes and GraceAnn Quinn garnered 2,797 votes. Attempts to reach Jackson and Quinn were not successful.

Before all the votes were counted, Cook said the biggest challenge facing the district is balancing the budget.

McCaulley

His concerns were echoed by McCaulley, who said he hopes to create a “bigger business-model approach for tackling the budget” and be an advocate for parents, students and teachers.

“I will listen, learn and value all stakeholders’ voices when making decisions,” he said.

Pacifico received 5,555 votes — more than any other AASB candidate.

Pacifico said he looks forward to seeing what it takes to tackle the school district’s concerns.

Some concerns he thinks are important include retaining teachers, addressing bullying problems within the district and ensuring that all reading materials are appropriate for the students to read.

Pappas

“We need to keep parents involved with their kids, so they know what they are learning and what they are doing in school,” Pacifico said.

Romanowicz said he doesn’t have any agenda heading into his first public service position.

“I really don’t know what the real issues are. I don’t have any set priority,” he said. “I’m going in there to discover what the issues are and go from there.”

Pappas is a former district employee who worked as a custodian for 35 years. He said he plans to bring the same level of dedication and care to being a board member as he did with his previous job.

“I can’t thank the voters enough,” he said.

Romanowicz

Mirror Staff Writer Matt Churella is at 814-946-7520.