Five New Candidates Elected to Norristown School Board in Urgent Vote
UPDATE: In a decisive move during Tuesday’s general election, voters in the Norristown Area School District have elected five new candidates to the school board, reshaping the leadership landscape. This election, held on October 31, 2023, saw significant participation, with thousands casting their votes for the future of education in the district.
Newcomers Jordan Alexander, Terrell L. Dale, Cynthia Davenport, and Jeremiah Lemke have secured four-year terms, with Davenport leading the pack by garnering 11,933 votes. Alexander followed closely with 10,144 votes, while Lemke and Dale received 9,809 and 9,559 votes, respectively. Meanwhile, William Caldwell ran unopposed for a two-year seat, achieving 12,535 votes with 250 write-in votes recorded.
This election marks a significant shift, as former board members Christopher Jaramillo and Tessi Ruiz were removed from the ballot due to failure to submit required financial interest forms. Their removal led to a grassroots write-in campaign, resulting in a total of 945 write-in votes for the four-year term and 176 votes for the two-year term during the primary election.
The new board members are stepping into a pivotal role amid ongoing criticism surrounding proposed policy changes. Recently, a contentious leadership eligibility policy was withdrawn from consideration after local residents expressed concerns. This policy aimed to require that any school board director must serve a full year before being eligible for leadership roles, sparking debates over its sustainability and potential impact on board dynamics.
School board member Phil Daniels voiced his apprehensions during an October 21 work session, stating,
“I’m not thrilled with this recommendation. I don’t think the PA school code supports this. It creates hostility between outgoing and incoming members.”
As the newly elected candidates prepare to take office, their immediate focus will be to address these community concerns and ensure a smooth transition. All results remain unofficial until certified by the Montgomery County Board of Elections.
What’s Next: The new board will convene to outline their agenda and priorities, ensuring they meet the educational needs of the Norristown community. This election has energized local residents, creating an expectation for transparency and responsiveness in school governance.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Norristown Area School District embarks on this new chapter.
