For the first time in several years, a parent of students in Lawrence Public Schools was elected to the school board, according to preliminary election results. The district's budget also received overwhelming support.
Jesse Lunin-Pack, of Atlantic Beach, beat out Tova Plaut and Dov Herman for a seat on the board. Lunin-Pack received 1,610 votes, or 44 percent, Plaut got 1,184 and Herman 840.
“I'm very pleased of the campaign I ran that showed a public school parent with good ideas and a positive message has a place at the table,” Lunin-Pack said. “I congratulate the other candidates on a hard-fought campaign. I want them to know I'm open to their ideas going forward.”
District officials warned the results of that race are unofficial and could change due to a possible discrepancy in the election numbers. Voting machines have been impounded by the district and the board of elections will conduct a recount.
“While we all wish the results could be finalized tonight, there is a process for handling situations like this,” Lunin-Pack said. “All I can do is hope the results stand.”
Many voters at Atlantic Beach Village Hall and Lawrence High School said they supported Lunin-Pack because they wanted someone on the board whose children go to public school.
This election marked the first time that multiple Orthodox candidates competed for seats on the Lawrence School Board, a fact that some voters lamented about to Patch.
Michael Hatten, who previously served on the board from 2006 to 2009, defeated incumbent Nahum Marcus, 1,798 to 1,188. Juan Zepeda, who registered to be a candidate but did not campaign, received 491 votes.
“I’d like to thank Nahum Marcus for his years of service to the community and wish him well in all his future endeavors,” Hatten said. “I’m extremely proud to rejoin a board that has distinguished itself over the years and is the envy of districts near and far.” He thanked his family and friends for their support.
Dr. David Sussman, who has served on the board for 18 years and run unchallenged, received 2,182 votes.
“I’m gratified that all segments of the community thought enough of me to let me run unopposed,” Sussman said. “We have to move forward together however the votes come out. We’re still faced with major needs and limited resources.”
Voters overwhelmingly approved the district's $93 million budget 2,081 to 744, or about 74 percent.
“I consider it a vote of confidence in our efforts in what our community values,” Lawrence Superintendent Gary Schall said about the budget vote.
Peninsula Public Library’s $3 million fiscal plan was also approved by 2,021 to 584. Samuel Francis, of Cedarhurst, got 1,212 votes in his unopposed bid for the seat on the library board held by Joel Shiff, who passed away in April.
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