New President, Vice President Named For Bensalem School Board

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —Four newly elected directors joined the Bensalem Township School Board at its reorganization meeting Monday night in which a new school board president and vice president were also named.

District Justices Joseph Falcone and Michael Gallagher administered the oaths of office with former school director Stephanie Ferrandez going first. She was followed by Deborah King, Rebecca Mirra, and Karen Winters for four-year terms.

The four were among a slate of Democrats dubbed the "Five Moms for Bensalem School Board." One mom, Cathy Dress, did not win in the Nov. 7 general election.

Incumbent Heather Nicholas was also sworn in after winning re-election in the Nov. 7 general election.

Nicholas, who has served 16 years on the school board, was named as school board president for the next year.

Ferrandez was nominated for vice president along with Joseph Pettyjohn.

Ferrandez received votes from King, Mirra, and Winters, who was appointed to the Bucks County IU board.

Pettyjohn won the nomination in a 5-4 vote since Republicans hold the majority on the school board.

Eric Price, who was defeated in the general election, had served the past year as board president with Kim Rivera as vice president.

Solicitor Joseph Pizzo handled the reorganization proceedings.

Winters told Patch that she is excited to get to work on the school board.

"I think as moms, we have a lot to offer a school board. We bring a variety of perspectives and have kids and students at the forefront. Education should be at the forefront of a community. We are all proud to be able to offer our community the perspectives we have as parents.

"Speaking only for myself, I walk into a public school every day when I go to work," said Winters, who is a teacher. "I've taught for over 20 years. I wanted to give my community the benefit of my experience. I have a variety of perspectives and look forward to being a part of the school board."