By John Chambless
Staff Writer

After all the votes were counted in the race for Unionville-Chadds Ford school director, about 20 votes made the difference between winning and losing.

On Nov. 4, the team of Gregg Lindner, Kathleen Do and Beverly Brookes posted the final count on their campaign website: “We are happy to report that Gregg Lindner has been re-elected to the UCF School Board. However, Kathy Do and Bev Brookes were defeated in an extraordinarily close election.”

The final count was:

Carolyn Daniels – 1,018

John Murphy: 970

Gregg Lindner – 967

Kathleen Do – 951

Beverly Brookes – 946

Lorraine Ramunno: 905

Each member of the team issued a statement. “As you can see from the election results, there are roughly 20+ votes that separate four of the candidates,” Lindner wrote. “It was a very close election. I am extremely proud of the Brookes, Do, Lindner team for the manner in which we conducted ourselves during the election and for the message we had for the community.

“Kathy Do has been an incredible advocate for those in the district during her tenure on the board and Bev Brookes stressed the need for respect in serving all members of the district,” Lindner continued. “I could not have had better running mates and friends. Our team appreciates everyone in the region that worked for and voted for our message. It was very humbling to have so many concerned parents and community members working with us during this election. We congratulate all those that will be serving in the upcoming school board from Region C.”

Brookes wrote, “Congratulations to Carolyn, Gregg and John for their victory. Now their work begins anew. I believe the district is going to be faced with significant growth in the next five years. Class sizes will be a major issue. As the older residents move out, younger residents with very young children are moving in. Everyone I talked to said they moved into UCFSD because of the schools. It will be up to the new board to face these challenges.

“I am very pleased with my strong showing in Pennsbury Township,” Brookes continued. “The voters who knew me came out to support me and my team. We ran a positive campaign and I am very proud to have worked with Kathy and Gregg. I am sorry that Kathy Do lost in this incredibly close race. She is a dedicated advocate for the children in this district and has done an incredible job with curriculum and technology. With her loss the entire district has lost a phenomenal, hard-working board member.”

In her statement, Do wrote, “The opportunity to serve the families of Unionville-Chadds Ford on the School Board has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I appreciate all of those who supported my efforts to fight for what I believe to be in the best interest of our children. I offer my sincere congratulations to Carolyn Daniels and John Murphy on their victories. I know they will work hard for what they believe in as well.

“Bev, thank you so much for your passion and spirit,” Do continued. “I am proud of the campaign that the three of us ran together. And to my friend, Gregg. You are the best thing that ever happened to the UCF School Board. Don’t give up the fight. I continue to stand with you.”

On the Facebook page for the Daniels, Murphy and Ramunno campaign, Lorraine Ramunno posted on Nov. 4, “It was an honor and a privilege to be endorsed by the Chadds Ford Republican Party to run for the Unionville Chadds Ford School Board Director. I would like to sincerely thank everyone who supported me in the school board race. Thank you all for believing in me. ... Even though I did not succeed in the election I am grateful for the amazing experience. I met so many wonderful people and made valuable friendships during the campaign. I want to congratulate Carolyn Daniels, John Murphy and Gregg Lindner. I know you all will do a wonderful job to maintain the excellence of the U-CF School District. I wish you all the best of luck!”