New Group to Support Write-In Candidates for West Chester School Board

A group of West Chester parents and concerned citizens have formed a team trying to organize a write-in campaign for the upcoming November election for school board.

This group, called West Chester VOTE, which stands for Voters Open to Education, hopes to “change the direction and makeup” of the current school board.

“We need a School Board whose decisions meet and support the District’s mission statement – to educate and inspire our students to achieve their personal best. We need candidates with a positive and responsible approach towards public education,” said Dana Seaman, spokesperson for West Chester VOTE.

According to a press release from the group, “These candidates are truly nonpartisan, as reflected in their make-up of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents.   Additionally, they are invested in the success of WCASD as demonstrated by their choice to send their children to WCASD public schools.”

“Our candidates cross political lines,” said Robin Kaliner, a parent in the district who also helps West Chester VOTE.  “We don’t want [candidates] who vote with one voice.

“We are hoping to have six candidates who are fiscally responsible and diverse,” added Dana Seaman.  “Diversity is always a good thing.”

The candidates are:

• Rick Swalm, Current West Chester Area School District Board President
• Jim Smith, Former WCASD Board President, Former Teacher & Coach
• Sue Tiernan, Retired Administrator & Active West Chester Community Volunteer
• Gary Bevilacqua, IT Manager and Active Community Volunteer
• Antonia (Toni) Keg, Active Volunteer in our Schools & Community
• Spencer Virta, Business Leader in the Financial Services industry

The group is also seeking volunteers who would like to help.

“We want people who care about education,” Seaman said.  “We’d like to be the place where parents go when they have questions.  We just want what’s best for our kids.”

For more information about West Chester VOTE visit their Web site at www.westchestervote.org