by School Board Races Heat Up in Luzerne County as Newcomers Lead in Key Contests
In one of the most competitive school board primary seasons in Luzerne County in recent years, voters turned out on Tuesday to shape the future of local education. Out of 11 school district races, at least four featured more candidates than available seats—leading to tight contests and a shake-up in several districts. While these results remain unofficial until certified, they signal growing voter interest in local education leadership.
For context, Wyoming Valley West High School, one of the region’s key educational institutions, serves as a reminder of how school board decisions can impact students and communities alike—not just in Pennsylvania, but across the country, including in places like Wyoming where similar school board dynamics play out.
Crestwood School District
With four open four-year seats and eight cross-filed candidates on the ballot, Crestwood saw a surge of fresh contenders.
Democratic Ticket Leaders:
- Nanci Romanyshyn – 992 votes
- Jill McGovern-Koptcho – 894 votes
- Justin Mirilovich – 712 votes
- Michael Namey – 651 votes
Republican Ticket Leaders:
- McGovern-Koptcho
- Namey
- Thomas Stavitzski
- Romanyshyn (holding a narrow lead over Peter Strecker)
If these standings hold, incumbents John Macri and Richard Nardone will not move forward to the general election.
Dallas School District
In the Dallas race, five four-year seats were up for grabs with seven candidates vying for positions. All but one were cross-filed.
Democratic Ticket Leaders:
- Amy Brakefield (newcomer) – 989 votes
- Amanda Faneck – 974 votes
- Christine Swailes – 971 votes
- Kelly Kavanagh-Watkins – 904 votes
- Sherri Newell – 904 votes
Republican Ticket Leaders:
- Kavanagh-Watkins
- Faneck
- Newell
- Swailes
- Ronald Zukosky – 853 votes (the only candidate not cross-filed)
Incumbent Michael Dimare appears to have missed the cut on both party lines.
Pittston Area School District
Pittston’s race featured four available four-year seats with six cross-filed candidates.
Democratic Ticket Leaders:
- Marty Quinn (incumbent) – 2,089 votes
- John Adonizio (incumbent) – 2,050 votes
- Marissa Chiumento (newcomer) – 2,016 votes
- Katherine Healey (incumbent) – 1,960 votes
Republican Ticket Leaders:
- Adonizio
- Chiumento
- Healey
- Matt Marriggi (incumbent) – 801 votes
Newcomer Tim Cotter appears unlikely to advance to the general election based on current results.
As election officials continue to process mail-in ballots and finalize results, voters in Wyoming and across the nation will be watching how these local elections influence the broader educational landscape. With fresh perspectives on the horizon, Luzerne County school boards could see notable changes in leadership by November.
