Northampton Area School District Board of Education has contested races in Regions 1, 2 and 3. The terms are four years.

The candidates were asked to respond to the following question in 100 words or less:

What makes you uniquely qualified for this elected position?

REGION 1 (Allen and Lehigh townships)

DEMOCRAT JOHN BECKER

I have degrees from East Stroudsburg University and retired after 37 years of teaching in the Northampton (Area) School District. I am vice president of the board and served six years on the board.

I was born on a family farm in Lehigh Township and still reside there with my wife of 45 years. We have established a small commercial vineyard with our sons and grandchildren.

I would be honored to continue to serve my constituents. I feel my experience and record as a common-sense member of the board give me the qualities to continue to serve on the board.

DEMOCRAT ROBERT MENTZELL

I am running for Northampton Area School District Board of Education in Region 1. Thirty-eight years as a classroom teacher gives me the background to maintain the basic educational program our students need. My two terms on the board give me the discipline of wise use of tax money. Good education is not dictated by politics or personal agendas.

I have worked to maintain a constructive relationship with staff and taxpayers but have always put students first. It’s essential the Northampton Area School District continues to move in this positive direction. I offer competence, not chaos.

REPUBLICAN KRISTIN LORAH-SOLDRIDGE

REPUBLICAN MARC KERCSMAR

REGION 2 (East Allen Township and Northampton Borough)

DEMOCRAT MICHAEL BAIRD

A school district is a complicated entity, requiring a person well versed in the educational and business side of the organization. My experience of over 20 years on school boards coupled with my administrative and teaching experience provides me with the knowledge to understand the many facets necessary to be an effective school board director. I have been part of the budget process from individual to board level. I have been part of negotiations from union level to board level. Governing requires a team approach and not promising what I can do, but what we can do.

REPUBLICAN WILLIAM G. JONES JR.

REGION 3 (Bath and Chapman boroughs and Moore Township)

DEMOCRAT DAVID GOGEL

My experience and relationships with the administration, community, boards of both the school and vo-tech, teachers, unions, engineering companies, financial planners, state, county and students give me a huge advantage in getting things accomplished.

I have a degree in education and taught math. I have successfully operated a business in Moore Township for 45 years. Besides my 20 years with the school board and 20 years with the vo-tech board, I have 40 years with the Moore Township Lions Club and 25 years in the Moore Township car show committee.

I am extremely community minded, and I work hard.

DEMOCRAT/REPUBLICAN BRIAN MCCULLOCH

REPUBLICAN JOSHUA HARRIS