Democrats Take Majority Control Of The Council Rock School Board

NEWTOWN BOROUGH, PA — Four new members joined the Council Rock School Board Thursday night giving the Democrats a one vote majority on the nine member board.

During a reorganization of the board, District Judge Mick Petrucci administered the oath of office to incoming board members Tracey Osecki (Region 1, Newtown), Linda Stone (Region 5, Northampton), Nicole Khan (Region 9, Newtown and Wrightstown) and Anne Horner (Region 7, Northampton).

Also taking the oath were re-elected board members Ed Tate (Region 2, Newtown) and Joe Hidalgo (Region 4, Northampton).

District Judge Mick Petrucci administers the oath to Tracey Osecki (Region 1, Newtown).

Region 5 board member Linda Stone takes the oath of office.

Re-elected board member Ed Tate takes the oath of office.

Taking the oath of office is Nicole Khan (Region 9, Newtown and Wrightstown).

For the first time in memory, Democrats hold the majority of seats on the board, including the four "Together for Council Rock" candidates - Osecki, Stone, Khan and Tate - who ran for election as a slate in November. They join incumbent Democrat Yota Palli to make up the new board majority.

Two Republicans took the oath Thursday night including incoming board member Anne Horner from Region 7 and Joe Hidalgo, who was re-elected from Region 4. They join board incumbents Bob Hickey from Region 3 (Northampton) and Michael Roosevelt from Region 6 (Northampton) to make up the Republican block.

Anne Horner takes the oath of office. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

Re-elected board member Joseph Hidalgo with his family after being sworn in.

As the board's first order of business, the new Democrat majority elected Yota Palli from Upper Makefield as its new board president and Ed Tate from Newtown as its new vice president. Both were elected in a 5-4 party line vote. The four Republicans on the board fell one vote short in nominating Michael Roosevelt of Northampton Township for the two positions.

A New President, A New Vision

In accepting the gavel of leadership, Palli thanked the board for the honor and pledged to work with the administration and her board colleagues to build on the school district's strengths, address its weaknesses and set an example for positive, collegial board conduct.

"In recent days, I’ve spoken with the majority of my board colleagues, including both those who were on the board last year and our new colleagues," said Palli. "We have discussed a shared vision for our work, which seem to be in three main categories: Educational excellence, student well being and communications and transparency.

"As examples, we want to explore the possibility of full day kindergarten. This is a passion of mine," said Palli. "We would like to resume the research that was underway before COVID into modernizing the high school schedule, including the start time. You may recall a possible 'Rock Block' was part of the discussion.

Newly-elected board president Yota Palli and vice president Ed Tate. (Photo by Jeff Werner)

"We want to hold serious discussions about bullying and student safety. That would include addressing inclusion, which is making all students feel welcome and respected," Palli continued. "We are serious about ensuring that all students have the opportunity to excel. After all, we fully believe in the district’s new motto, 'Students first. Always.'"

"Finally, we must recognize that, as a board member, each of us is just one of nine votes. To be effective, we must work as a team," she said. "And we need to work effectively with Dr. Sanko and the administration.

"Everyone will be part of these discussions and conversations," said Palli. "Everyone means all school directors, administrators, teachers, staff and students, plus their parents and other taxpayers.

"And everyone who lives in the Council Rock School District will be kept informed and invited to contribute," pledged Palli. "Please let me know if you have suggestions, questions or comments. My email address on the school district’s website, in the school board section, as is the email address of every board member."

Act 1 Index Resolution

Following the reorganization meeting, the board held a special meeting to adopt the 2024-25 Act 1 Index of 5.3 percent.

The state is capping the index at 5.3 percent for next year, meaning school boards who adopt the index are limited to a 5.3 percent increase in taxes in 2024-25.

In recommending adoption of the Act 1 Index, the district's business manager Tony Rapp said the "5.3 percent should be adequate" for district's needs.

In approving the index, board member Joseph Hidalgo was quick to point out that passing the resolution doesn't mean the board will be implementing a 5.3 percent tax increase in 2024-25. "We're just saying we're not going to go above that," he said.

Superintendent Andy Sanko, left, and Judge Mick Petrucci with the newly-reorganized school board. From left are Dr. Sanko, Yota Palli, Nicole Khan, Tracey Osecki, Bob Hickey, Linda Stone, Anne Horner, Ed Tate, Michael Roosevelt, Joseph Hidalgo and Judge Petrucci. (Photo by Jeff Werner)