Highlands senior appears to edge out incumbent for school board seat; 8 vying for 5 seats in fall

The first time Highlands senior Elijah Majocha was legally able to vote, he cast a ballot for himself.

The 18-year-old was among a field of 11 people vying for five positions in three school board regions — and he appears to have come away with a nomination on both tickets.

“They trusted the youth and it feels so great,” said Majocha, who earned 383 votes on the Democratic ballot, second only to incumbent Kristie Babinsack, who earned 519 votes.

The pair edged out Misty Chybrzynski Woody’s 319 votes and incumbent Laura Butler’s 272, according to unofficial results from the Allegheny County Elections Department.

Babinsack and Majocha also appear to have secured the Republican nominations, with 370 and 296 votes, respectively.

“I thought a lot of people might diss me for my age, but running a $50 million business that represents kids and electing me, a student, it makes sense,” Majocha said.

“Age does play a big part in what I’m able to give as far as perspective.”

Region 3 stretches from Silverlake Park to the Freeport border.

Several other fall races for Highlands School Board appeared to take shape Tuesday, with competitions between six candidates for three seats.

In Region 1, which includes Fawn and most of Tarentum, it appears that Jenny Bosak and Christa Jones won the Democratic nominations, with 228 and 178 votes, respectively. They bested Justin Kipp and incumbent Gene Witt.

“I’m humbled and thankful for the support of my neighbors,” Jones said. “My faith tells me that goodness, knowledge, self-control and perseverance will make an effective and productive school director. That’s what I intend to be for the people in Region 1.”

On the Republican side, results were reversed. Kipp and Witt secured nominations with 200 and 190 votes, respectively.

In Region 2, newcomer Autumn Monaghan, who serves as chief of staff for state Rep. Mandy Steele, ran away with the Democratic nomination. She earned 345 votes over Alan Winter, a Realtor and substitute teacher who earned 224.

“I’m excited, and I thank everyone who supported me,” Monaghan said. “People are ready for some focused, common sense and balanced ideas. I want to see everyone have what they need to see to succeed and, to do that, you have to be willing to sit down and listen to everyone.”

On the Republican side, results were razor-thin with Shane Chesher earning 97 votes to Winter’s 94.

Chesher said if he wins, he hopes to create an environment of parent and community involvement and to make necessary administration changes that will be in the best interest of the community.

Region 2 includes Brackenridge and parts of Harrison.