By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

The Pennsylvania Municipal Primary Election will take place on Tuesday, May 20. This report is intended to give voters more information about the candidates running for the Oxford School Board. Each candidate was sent the same questions to answer regarding their candidacy. They also had the option of not answering some of the questions or adding additional information.

Some candidates cross-filed (they are running on the Democratic and Republican ticket). Some candidates have chosen to seek the nomination only as a Democrat or as a Republican.

You can get more information and sample ballots by going to www.chesco.org and clicking on voter services page.

Oxford School Board At-Large (Vote for 1)

Andrew Atkinson (D and R)

Yami Fernandez (D and R)

Oxford School Board – Region 1 (Vote for 1)

Andrew Peters (D and R)

Jennifer Kehs (R)

Oxford School Board-Region 2 (Vote for 1)

Mary Higgins (D and R)

John Deecki (R)

Oxford School Board – Region 2- 2-year unexpired term (Vote for 1)

Sean Grugan (D and R)

Chauncey Boyd (R)

Oxford School Board – Region 3 (Vote for 1)

David Trimble (D and R)

Yami Fernandez (D and R)

Mike Blessington (R)

Andrew Atkinson

Andrew Atkinson has lived in Oxford since 1986. Atkinson served on the Oxford Borough Council from 2007 to 2011. He has served on the Civil Service Commission for the last six years. He also previously served on the Arts Alliance Board of Directors.

Atkinson listed a variety of reasons for running for the school board.

“My own three kids are in school and I am interested in advocating for them as well as their other classmates. That’s actually the reason I didn’t run for borough council again. I didn’t want to short-change them,” he said. “I think there are some people that believe that local officials are getting paid. We don’t,” he explained. “We are willing to put the time in and face scrutiny for our decisions, without receiving pay. I’m doing this to do what is best for the community.  I want to help the school district. I would like to think we can reach across the aisle and work with everyone.”

Atkinson is running for the four-year, at-large position which covers the borough and other municipalities.

Atkinson said that he feels test scores are one of many brief snapshots of the district. 

Regarding school funding, Atkinson said that he would like to see the state improve its funding formula to ensure that school districts like Oxford receive a fair amount of funding.

“That is where advocacy is important,” he said. “It is important to talk to State Senator (Carolyn) Comitta or State Representative (John) Lawrence and see what is available to help us.”

Atkinson has been an educator for 23 years. He has a master’s degree in counseling and took an academic sabbatical to work with the administration in the Avon Grove School District. He worked with the elementary school principal and another administrator. School safety is one of his top issues that he is concerned about.

“It’s not just the physical safety but emotional safety as well,” he said. “We need to ensure both physical and emotional safety for the students and the staff. I want to create the best conditions for learning.”

When asked if equity was a concern, he said, “We need to create the best conditions for learning for all students. Avon Grove has a unified sports program and it is amazing to watch. It was created by Special Olympics. There definitely needs to be a unified classroom culture. Students who have special needs should be able to work along with student athletes in competition with other schools. 

Atkinson said it is important to help both the students and parents in the Oxford Area School District. It is important to have conversations and to be a good listener, he said.

When asked if he has concerns about the school district he said, “I definitely want to do better. What can we do to create the best conditions for learning? It’s not just about learning in the classroom. We need to support student athletes and those involved in academic competitions and to encourage all students to be civil with each other. We need to promote leadership skills as well.”

Atkinson said that if any changes need to be made, it is important to do so collaboratively. 

“There are many great things about the Oxford School District,” he said. “We saw that during the recent fire in Oxford. Students, teachers and administrators. I was happy to see how the school district, administration and students rallied to help the fire victims. We had a community partnership with the Lighthouse Youth Center and Oxford Educational Foundation. There was such a spirit of collaboration.”

Yami Fernandez

Yami Fernandez is running for the at-large district and a Region 3 seat. Her reason for running is simple. “Honestly, I care way too much about our students, families, and community to just sit on the sidelines,” she said. “We need strong, accountable leadership that prioritizes academic excellence, responsible spending, and transparency. Basically, someone who can balance a budget and still remember to cheer at the school play.”

Fernandez added, “As a parent and longtime resident, I’ve seen what makes our schools amazing (like our dedicated teachers) and where we could use a little extra TLC (like maybe fewer meetings about meetings). With my experience in school district operations, I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and make sure our schools focus on what really matters: core academics, supporting our teachers, and reflecting the values that make this community so special. Let’s make it happen…with less red tape and more real results.”

When asked how important the school board is. She said, “The school board is a big deal. They’re the ones who decide how the schools run, everything from budgets to policies to making sure every kid gets a fair shot. It’s like being the captain of a ship, steering the whole district toward success. And since I’m running for the school board, I’m ready to bring my experience and ideas to the table. I want to make sure our schools are not just good but great, and that every student feels seen and supported. Plus, I think my background in education and community work gives me a unique perspective to help bridge gaps and build connections.”

Fernandez has lived in Oxford for 15 years. “I feel I’ve officially earned the right to complain about traffic on Market Street and have strong opinions about the best local coffee spot,” she said. “But more importantly, over the years, I’ve built deep connections in this community and remain committed to helping it grow and thrive. Oxford isn’t just where I live, it’s home. I’m all in when it comes to making sure Oxford continues to be the best place for families, students, and anyone who appreciates a good hometown feel.”

Fernandez has not previously held an elected office in Oxford. However, she has been actively involved in the community through her professional work and volunteer efforts.

“I am committed to bringing my experience and dedication to public service through this opportunity,” Fernandez said.

For the past seven years, Fernandez has been a proud member of the Oxford Educational Foundation, working to champion educational initiatives and support students in reaching their full potential. Along the way, she has also been deeply involved in shaping the future of the Oxford Area School District by serving on several comprehensive planning committees. Through this work, she has helped develop long-term goals and strategies to foster growth and improvement across the district.

Fernandez wants the people of Oxford to not just see, but celebrate, the incredible contributions Latinos have made and continue to make in every corner of this community.  “We’re not just part of the story in agriculture; we’re part of the story in its growth, success, and heart,” she said. “Our voices, our values, and our stories deserve a seat at the table, and I’m here to make sure that happens. Let’s bring some fresh energy and representation to the boardroom.”

She also believes in the importance of test scores.

“They really matter,” she said. “They are one of the clearest ways we can see if our students are truly learning the skills they need to thrive. In the Oxford Area School District, we can’t afford to brush them aside or treat them like just another box to check. Test scores tell a story: they highlight what we’re doing well, but more importantly, they show us where we’re falling short.”

Andrew Peters

Andrew Peters is running for a seat on the Oxford School Board to ensure that Oxford’s students get the best education as safely and efficiently as possible. 

He said, “I grew up here and graduated from Oxford Area High School in 2008. I moved back with my family in 2015 after four years in Philadelphia. I have two children in the school district, and I have worked in the community for most of the last eight years as a healthcare professional.”

Peters continued, “I want to support our teachers, and I want to be a voice for every constituent in my region. At the end of the day, I saw an opportunity to give back to a community that has given me a lot, and I decided to take it.”

Peters believes the school board is essential to the function of public schools in setting policy and overseeing the allocation of resources. The success or failure of the district is ultimately dependent on these policies. He also feels that test scores can be a useful surface level tool, but that they are ultimately a deeply flawed way to accurately measure education quality as currently constructed.

As far as funding goes, Peters said, “I do not disagree with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s finding that our school district is not adequately funded.”

School safety is a concern for him.

“No child should be afraid to go to school, and no parent should be afraid of sending their child to school,” he said, adding that equity is also a concern.

“As a school board director, I will do everything in my power to ensure that every child gets an equal opportunity to be successful,” he said. “I am greatly concerned about fringe partisan politics getting in the way of the issues that matter.  The school board is not meant to be a partisan institution, and should be focused on supporting the students and teachers, and not a political agenda.”

Peters said there are many good aspects about the Oxford School District.

“The Oxford Area School District supports a diverse community with students from a wide variety of backgrounds,” he said. “We have passionate stakeholders and dedicated teachers who want the best for every student regardless of their background.”

Jennifer Kehs

Jennifer Kehs is running as a Republican candidate for Region 1. She did not respond to the request for information for this story.

Mary Higgins

Mary Higgins has cross-filed and is running in Region 2. She moved to Oxford Borough in August of 2015, and was elected to the Oxford Borough Council in 2019. She served until late 2022. During that time, she served on the Personnel Committee, the Borough Manager Search Committee and the Oxford Borough Long Range Planning Committee. Higgins also worked with the Oxford Borough Planning Commission and the Advisory Committee on Latino Affairs.

“I am a product of public schools and realize what a gift public schools have been for my children, family, friends, and grandchildren,” she said. “In those public schools, we were personally enriched by dedicated teachers and staff whose job was to share their love of their specialties. Along the way, I personally found lifelong knowledge in terms of the facts, but just as importantly, those teachers helped me find my empowered voice. I have used that voice ever since, to support causes that make this a better world. I consider myself a lifelong learner and live in gratitude for that truth.”

Higgins feels strongly that the school board is very important to a community.

“The School Board is the ear, voice, wisdom and guide for the children who will one day serve this community,” she said. “We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. Someone else paid their taxes, so you and I could learn. Others put themselves out to make sure the chorus I sang in had teachers. Many of us learned to cooperate by being on a sports team, and we learned about fair play and the power of having a great coach to guide us. I have seen kids surpass their academic abilities and go on to be who they dreamed of becoming. The School Board is one place where the excellence we hope for is played out for all to see. We will not always agree on the best solution to every problem, but how we work together will be the mark of our success.”

As far as school taxes Higgins said, “I do not think we could tax enough to make a system that fulfills its mission to maximize the learning potential of each child. I think the role of school 

board is to use the taxes we receive for the good of college-bound and non-college-bound students alike so they have the basic skills necessary to pursue their life goals.”

Higgins graduated from Lesley University with a degree in psychology and went onto Seminary at Lancaster Theological Seminary to study for the ministry. In the course of ministry, she was responsible for large regions of churches where she did mission and vision facilitation, policy governance development, leadership development, conflict resolutions and more.

Safe schools are important to her. “I believe that schools ought to be the safest places our children can be,” she said. “There is no place there for incivility, bullying, fighting, weapons, or self-harm.”

Higgins does have a concern about the Oxford School District.

“I am concerned that the political division of our town and our country sometimes makes it impossible to work for the best solutions to our problems.”

Chauncey Boyd

Chauncey Boyd is running as Republican for a two-year unexpired term in Region 2. He identified some of qualifications and priorities, including the following:

• Lifelong resident of Oxford.
• Past board member of the Oxford Area Chamber of Commerce and past member of the Oxford School Board for 8 years, including 7 years as board president.
• It’s time to financially “right the ship” and get taxes under control.
• Regain transparency
• Eliminate the woke agenda in schools and eliminate DEI.
• Local offices such as the school board are important because members must ensure student safety and that there is a balanced education to all legally enrolled students.
• Test scores are very important for students needing or wanting to extend their formal education. Also puts your district in a favorable or unfavorable position with the community, and surrounding areas and adds to more or less federal and state funding.
• State taxes could fund districts adequately, if the taxes were distributed on a balanced basis. I don’t want my tax dollars supporting failing Philadelphia or larger city schools.
• I graduated from Oxford with a diploma and then attended the University of Delaware for two years, never securing my degree.
• School safety is paramount for all persons in our schools.
• There should be equity in schools, and if you are a legal, registered student or employee then all should be treated the same or as equals.

Boyd identified his biggest concerns as the safety and welfare for all students and staff, spending efficiently and wisely and keeping taxes within the public’s ability to afford, and controlling the excessive salaries of the superintendent, assistant superintendent and the business administrator.

Boyd said that he would make changes in the administration of the school district, and he would draft a 3-year, 5-year, and 8-year plan for facility improvements. He would want to have the lacrosse, soccer, football, and baseball fields fixed immediately.

He identified the best things about the Oxford Area School District as the following: 

• Excellent teachers and support staff.
• Newer facilities and buildings are in fairly good condition with some needed smaller repairs.
• Excellent band and sports programs.
• Great students with many standout athletes and excellent academic students learning and preparing to lead Oxford forward into the future.

Sean Grugan

Sean Grugan is running for the two-year, unexpired term in Region 2.

He graduated from Oxford in 1996 and, after living in Maryland and South Carolina, moved back to Oxford with his family in 2018. He has not held a political office up to this point, but he was elected as the vice president of the Oxford Music Boosters in 2024, and he continues to be a member of that organization. Grugan is running for the Oxford School Board to“bring common sense, accountability and teamwork back to the board, while remembering the mission and vision of the district.”

He explained, “I will help all students achieve academic excellence in a safe, nurturing environment with the kids first, progress and unity vision.”

Grugan believes the school board has to create policies that guarantee all students of the district have access to a high-quality education.

“I believe test scores are important, but they are not the only metric that should be used to judge the success of the school district,” Grugan said. “Equity is always a concern, because we need to make sure that all students have what they need to achieve academic excellence.”

Grugan plans to make sure everyone has a voice in the decision-making process.

“I feel all stakeholders in the district deserve to have a voice that is heard when decisions are made that affect public education,” he said. “I will make myself available to students, parents and other stakeholders for questions, comments and concerns if I am elected.”

Grugan attended the University of South Carolina and worked in the athletic department at Cecil College. He said that he would prioritize school safety and transparency.

Grugan said, “School safety is always at the top of the list for concerns for students, teachers and staff. Our current staff of resource officers are always present and do a great job. We need to make sure that they are always supported with strong safety policies.”

He pledged to bring “a sense of non-partisan teamwork to the school board. I see a lot of good in the Oxford School District, especially the overall sense of community.”

Grugan also pointed to many achievements by students as reasons to be proud about the school district.

“The class of 2025 is exemplary, with graduates going to Yale and Cornell along with a long list of other colleges and universities,” he said. “The generous amount of local scholarships awarded to the class of 2025 should also be noted. The district has also been awarded “Best Communities for Music Education” for the last three years. The continued success of the athletic programs is great. Recently, an Oxford graduate has become the youngest graduate in Neumann University history because of programs available while she was a student in the district.”

John Deecki

John Deecki is running as Republican for Region 2. He has lived in West Nottingham for 25 years. Although, he has not held other elected offices, he is anxious to be on the Oxford School Board and do what is right for the children.

Deecki feels strongly that the district is headed in the wrong direction.

“I feel the administration wants what they want and not what is best for the students at the Oxford School District,” he said. “The futures of the students are at stake, not the future of the teachers,” he said.

Deecki added that, “Testing should be the most important because it shows how much the students are learning and comprehending.”

Deecki is concerned about how the tax money is used.

“There is mold in the schools every year. Penn’s Grove had mold in the auditorium for most of the year a couple of years ago.  Jordan Bank shouldn’t have of been closed for two weeks at the beginning of the year. Fix the schools the right way,” he said.

He also has concerns about some of the books in the school libraries.

“Students are not getting the help with the work they have,” he said. “Changes are made by everyone on the board, not just by one person. But there are many changes that do need to be taken care of.”

He holds an Associates Degree in criminal justice and graduated from the Police Academy.

“I hold certificates in Fire 1 and Fire 2 along with many other certifications,” he said.

School safety is important to Deecki.

“I feel it is great to have armed officers in the schools if they are properly vetted,” he said.

He added that, if he is elected to the school board, “I will help the district by making the best decisions I can for everyone.”

David Trimble

David Trimble has cross-filed in Region 3. He did not respond by deadline.

Mike Blessington

Mike Blessington, an incumbent on the school board, has lived in Nottingham for 21 years.

He said, “I joined the school board four years ago to help get kids back in school after the disaster and mismanagement by the department of education during the pandemic. 

Blessington continued, “I have been alerted to pornographic and sexually explicit books in our library. I ended up chairing the policy committee to set up new guidelines to keep inappropriate books from getting into our library in the future. We also worked on an easier way to challenge such books when they accidentally get past our stringent guardrails.”

He also said, “I would like to focus on increasing grade levels and retention of teachers. I believe teachers are leaving because they don’t feel appreciated or supported. I have been asking for an exit poll with no responses from the current administration.

He added, “The school board is very important. The future of our country comes from a well-educated student striving for more. Reading, writing, arithmetic, history, and science are fundamentals to get our kids ready for the world.”

He feels the school district gets plenty of funding from the taxpayers and said the district needs to be more accountable with it and stay within the budget.

Blessington said, “Having three sisters who have spent a combined 75 years teaching, I picked up a few things from them. I also have two children that graduated with high rankings and went on to college—graduating with awesome grades.”

Blessington said he wants the education at Oxford to be the envy of all the schools in Pennsylvania. 

“I want the teachers to have the tools to succeed and the children to have the best circumstances to achieve with an incredibly strong foundation at the Oxford Area School District,” he explained. “My biggest concern I have with the Oxford schools are our teachers having support from our administrators and support of the school board to set our district above like the champion I know we can be. We need to challenge ourselves and our students to do better. The board needs to do better. The superintendent needs to do better. Our grades have got to get better. I want our school to at least be in the top 100 in our state. We are paying our Superintendent top-40 money, we should be a top-40 producer. We seem to spend more time on minutia and less on results. Let’s get results.”