BEVERLY — Voters in the Fort Frye Local School District will decide among several candidates for seats on the Board of Education in the Nov. 5 election, with a mix of returning members and new challengers emphasizing stability, communication, and continued academic success.

Johnna Zalmanek, 48, who has served on the board for 16 years, said her focus remains on policy, safety, and maintaining the district’s strong performance.

“I’ve been on the policy committee for 15 of those years,” she said. “That’s one of the most important things we do as a board – making sure policies work for our district and reflect what’s best for our students.”

Zalmanek cited updates to Fort Frye’s cell phone policy, security improvements across school buildings, and ongoing investments in facilities as examples of the board’s proactive work. She also expressed concern about the state’s proposed changes to school funding and voucher expansion.

“We’ve been fortunate to be financially stable, but legislation about property taxes and vouchers will have a huge impact,” she said. “I’m a strong advocate for public education and making sure we maintain that stability.”

Joseph Prieto, 75, who previously served on the board more than a decade ago, said he is running again to help guide the district through upcoming funding challenges.

“I was on 14 and a half years ago, when things were tough,” Prieto said. “We got things rolling pretty smooth then, and I want to see that continue. I just want to make a difference, make it better, and not go backwards.”

Prieto, a longtime community member with children and grandchildren in the district, said he hopes his experience will help the board navigate changing state policies that affect school budgets.

Mary Weinstock, 48, a Fort Frye graduate and parent of current students, said she decided to run after attending several board meetings earlier this year.

“When I went to those meetings, I realized there was a big disconnect between what the school board was doing and how they were communicating to the public,” she said.

Weinstock encouraged the board to begin recording meetings and posting them online — a suggestion that was later adopted. She said she hopes to bring “a new perspective” to the board and wants to explore expanding free meal programs.

“Other schools in the area have been able to offer free lunch for all students,” she said. “It’s something I think our board should look into, because it would really help families.”

Weinstock also praised the district’s strong academic standing.

“I’m really proud of Fort Frye,” she said. “We’re one of the highest-rated schools in the state, and I just want to make sure we continue that kind of excellence.”

Rodney West is also on the ballot, but was unavailable for comment at press time.

The Fort Frye Local Board of Education oversees schools in Beverly, Lowell, Lower Salem and surrounding communities, and meets regularly to address district policies, facilities, and budgets. The winners of this fall’s election will serve four-year terms.