Pennsbury Giving Students Off For Special State Rep. Election

FALLSINGTON, PA —Students in the Pennsbury School District are getting an extra day off.

With a special election planned to fill the the 140th Legislative District seat vacated by State Rep. John Galloway when he became a judge, Schools Superintendent Thomas A. Smith announced to families that all Pennsbury schools will be closed on Feb. 13.

"Because voting takes place in many of our schools, all schools will be closed on Tuesday, Feb. 13," Smith said.

He said the day would be used to provide professional development to school staff. Smith added that the day is a state-allowed Act 80 day and will not lengthen the school year.

"We recognize that this was not included in our approved calendar, and we appreciate your flexibility and understanding of this unforeseen change," Smith said. "Open elections help make the United States the greatest country in the world; we encourage you to exercise your right to vote."

Pennsbury School Director Jim Prokopiak is the Democratic candidate in the special election, opposing Falls Township resident Candace Cabanas, who is the Republican candidate.

Galloway's resignation caused a 101-101 split of the state House of Representatives.

The longtime state representative won the Nov. 7 general election to succeed Falls Township District Judge Jan Vislosky, who retired.

The 140th Legislative District includes a part of Middletown Township, Falls Township, Morrisville Borough, and Tullytown Borough.