Incumbents Bounced in Region 14 Board of Education Election

Both incumbents were defeated in the Region 14 Board of Education election, making way for four new candidates to join the board.

Challengers John Chapman (Republican, Woodbury), Maryanne Van Aken (Democrat, Woodbury), Sophiezane Bartlett (Democrat, Bethlehem) and John Swendsen (Democrat, Bethlehem) defeated incumbents Scott Baider (Unaffiliated, Woodbury) and Stephen Sordi (Republican, Bethlehem) by a large margin Wednesday.

With four open spots on the board, the top two vote getters from Woodbury and Bethlehem were pegged for election. Each official was elected to a three-year term.

Baider, who was a board member since 2008, said he hopes the newly elected board members can help the region look to the future.

“I wish the new board members good luck and success,” said Baider. “I really hope everyone comes together and works things out. It’s not about fighting, it’s about looking forward.”

Chapman, who is currently a member of the Region 14 building committee, said he hopes to move the region forward, but acknowledged it will take a group effort.

“This region is dynamic,” said Chapman. “There is a need for healing and moving forward in a productive way. Hopefully I can help, but it takes a board. It takes a lot of sacrifice, time and effort. I hope to serve the board well going forward.”

Complete voting results were as follows:

Candidates

Woodbury Votes

Bethlehem Votes

Total Votes

Scott Baider (Unaffiliated, Woodbury)

435

305

740

John Chapman (Republican, Woodbury)

982

306

1,288

Maryanne Van Aken (Democrat, Woodbury)

927

280

1,207

Sophiezane Bartlett (Democrat, Bethlehem)

832

274

1,106

Stephen Sordi (Republican, Bethlehem)

422

317

739

John Swendsen (Democrat, Bethlehem)

899

347

1,246