Sandra Donnay withdrew from the Board of Education election but continues to lean toward accepting a seat
By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Staff Writer
MONTGOMERY — Sandra Donnay withdrew from the Board of Education election but continues to lean toward accepting a seat.
Since her decision to pull out of the race was made after the Sept. 30 deadline, she could not technically withdraw from the election, according to Montgomery Township School District’s Business Administrator Thomas Venanzi. Her name still appeared on the ballot on Election Day Nov. 5.
She was the third top vote-getter with 1,594 votes, beating incumbent Shalini Bhargava and Ramesh Durvasala, who earned 1,427 and 1,126 votes respectively. That means she is eligible to take one of the three seats up for grabs in the election.
Ms. Donnay is now saying that she is leaning toward accepting the seat because she received so many votes in the election, which she sees as a mandate.
”I do not want to let the voters down,” Ms. Donnay said.
Ms. Donnay has until Jan. 1 to make her decision about remaining on the board.
She has been serving on the board since April, when board members appointed her to serve the unexpired term of Christine Abrahams. That term will end Dec. 31.
She said she has been passionate about implementing evidence-based programs to prevent bullying, drug and alcohol use as well as to promote empathy and good decision making in students.
”I have been a passionate advocate for these programs and will continue to work with our schools in this area,” Ms. Donnay said.
Ms. Bhargava, who would end up not getting a seat on the board if Ms. Donnay decides to accept one, has said she’s okay with whatever Ms. Donnay decides.
Ms. Donnay had announced her withdrawal from the race during a Board of Education meeting and through local newspapers. Her decision not to campaign came as a result of graduate school. She said she was given unforeseen dissertation deadlines and research responsibilities and would not be able to campaign for the election.