NORTHFIELD — While the final vote counts still need to be certified, according to unofficial election results, it appears incumbents Reina Dastous, Stephanie Arroyo, Sharon Fontaine, Melissa Gerry and Gretchen Kelton will earn additional terms on the Pioneer Valley Regional School District School Committee.
Town clerks in Bernardston, Leyden and Northfield still need to certify the results from the Nov. 3 election. Tabulation is expected to occur early next week. The election saw only write-in candidates for the five seats on the ballot as a result of school district filing errors with the Secretary of State’s Office.
Northfield seat
There was one seat to represent Northfield on the ballot, which, according to unofficial results, will go to incumbent Dastous, who garnered 99 votes across the three towns. Challenger Anna Bassett earned 72 votes. Votes for other candidates totaled 47.
Leyden seats
Leyden had two seats on the ballot, and three incumbents seeking reelection. Fontaine received 121 votes across the three towns, Arroyo received 105 votes in total and Michele Giarusso earned 100 total votes. Votes for other candidates totaled 56.
Bernardston seats
The ballot included two seats representing Bernardston, and two incumbents sought reelection. Gerry won 167 votes across the three towns and Kelton earned 89 votes total. Votes for other candidates totaled 152.
In some instances, voters wrote in candidates who were seeking seats in other towns.
Each municipality will also have a seat filled via appointment from their respective town moderator, meaning the candidates who do not win election via the write-in votes still have an opportunity to serve on the School Committee.
On the school district website, District Clerk Jen Reagan said that as soon as results are certified by the town clerks, the district will announce the official election winners.
