Dems Sweep Norristown Area School Board, But Future Murky

Wednesday

Though some mail-in ballots remain to be counted, the results in Norristown are clear: four Democrats have handily won all four available school board seats.

However, one of the four winners is recently resigned board President Shae Ashe, who left just weeks ago in the wake of allegations that he sent sexual messages to an underaged student.

It remains unclear if Ashe would return to his post if re-elected, or would resign again.

Results as of late Wednesday afternoon are included below:

1. Dell (D) 5,349
2. Wirth (D) 5,211
3. Jaramillo (D) 5,156
4. Ashe (D) 4,561
5. Licwinko-Engelman (R) 3,827
6. Howell (R) 3,419
7. De-Kok (R) 3,350

11:35 p.m.

1. Dell (D) 4,602
2. Wirth (D) 4,588
3. Jaramillo (D) 4,431
4. Licwinko-Engelman (R) 3,4303
5. De-Kok (R) 3,033
6. Howell (R) 3,021

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10:58 p.m.

Democrats hold a firm advantage in the Norristown School Board race and look poised to maintain their advantage.

1. Dell (D) 4,268
2. Wirth (D) 4,254
3. Jaramillo (D) 4,115
4. Licwinko-Engelman (R) 3,141
5. Howell (R) 2,804
6. De-Kok (R) 2,798

NORRISTOWN, PA — Most polls have closed and election results are trickling in for the Norristown Area School Board.

There are four seats available, with six candidates battling to fill the four year terms. The race features Democrats Marissa Dell, Christopher Jaramillo, and cross-filer Cynthia Wirth against Republicans Lisa Licwinko-Engleman, Daniel J. De Kok, Sr. and Mao Howell.

Two polls in Norristown, Gotwals Elementary School and Cole Manor School, will not close until 9 p.m. after their voting equipment arrived late on Tuesday morning, leading to a delay in opening.

RELATED: Equipment Issue At Montco Polling Places Causes Delays

Former Norristown Area School Board president Shae Ashe had been in the running, but resigned his post suddenly last month amid allegations he sent sexually suggestive messages to an underage student.

The three Republicans, heavy underdogs in a strongly blue Norristown, are running together under the banner "Vote 4 Students First."

"We are not in this for higher political office, we are not in this for likes or twitter followers," the group said in a statement. "We have a plan, We have a vision, and we are dreaming big. It's time to stop settling, and start believing we can do better."

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Their platform highlights transparency in taxes, as well as a focus on career readiness, trades, and school safety.

The three Democrats, all incumbents, are running together as "Team for NASD."

"We are proud to be the endorsed democratic candidates willing to support strong public schools, the group said. "Our campaign is about meeting voters, sharing our platform and ideas, and remaining transparent."

The group points to their success in balancing the budget without raising taxes for the first time in over a decade as evidence of their responsible spending.

They also point to increased student achievement under their tenure.

Tuesday's elections included numerous municipal level races, ranging from school board elections to town council races. District judges, as well as district attorneys and sheriffs, were on the ballot in some places as well.