Joe Rooney
Joe F. O’Brien
Roy J. Bant Jr.
I am running for school board so that I can utilize my past experience and skills to run a much more efficient school district that is in dire need of change and new management. I have been an Abington resident since 1974. The election on May 20 will tell us yes or no for the $285 million increase in debt, and the resultant tax increases for Abington and Rockledge residents. I will be voting ‘No’ for this increase on May 20. We can spend much less, and get the same results for our students and tax payers. The school has a very solid foundation and structure. Risk is much higher and more costly as a result, if we bull doze everything and start over.
If the result of the election is Yes, I will use my skills and experience to see that every tax dollar is spent wisely, and work on change and risk management of the project at hand. Depending on how many seats are replaced, change will still be an absolute uphill battle. I’m ready for an uphill battle, and will represent effectively for change. My hope is that other candidates that are voting No will be on the board with me so that we can effectively impact change.
I worked my way through high school and college pouring commercial concrete for the family business. I studied and received a Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering at Temple University, then a Masters in Business (MBA) in International Business and Finance from LaSalle University.
Most of my career was with the Industrial gas business in Engineering, Project Management and Business Development. I have managed large construction projects in the USA and Globally and partnered with many construction firms. I have had direct reports and have managed people, and especially people that are part of building large commercial structures.
I have one son that went through Abington School Districts elementary school system, and I think it was an excellent education for him, but as for the middle and high school, I had to send him outside the school district to a private school because of violence, and teachers that constantly had their hands tied and frustrated.
Lisa Mallon
WRITE-IN REQUIREDI am running for School Board to serve the school district by focusing on transparency, safety, and fiscal accountability. My husband and I raised our four daughters in Abington and moved here in the late 90s specifically for the school district. I’ve seen firsthand how critical a school system is to our children’s success.
I’m not a career politician—I’m a parent, a grandparent, and a longtime Abington neighbor who cares deeply about this community. I’m running for School Board because I want to give back and help ensure every child in Abington has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for the future.
My priorities are clear:
Educational Excellence: I want to help bring Abington back to Blue Ribbon status. That starts with supporting our outstanding teachers, evaluating every program for its effectiveness, and building strong partnerships between parents and educators.
Transparency: I want families to know exactly how their tax dollars are being spent. With my background in accounting, I’ll work to ensure our budgeting process is clear, efficient, and aligned with our students’ needs.
Smart Budgeting: Cuts to the federal Department of Education won’t significantly affect our schools, since federal funding makes up less than 2% of our budget. I trust the state will step in to cover any gaps. Still, we must make sure every dollar is used wisely.
Fiscal Responsibility: I believe the proposed $285 million middle school project is simply too expensive. While I agree that upgrades are needed, we must find more cost-effective alternatives. This kind of spending could place a serious burden on residents—especially seniors on fixed incomes—and we need to be smarter about how we invest taxpayer dollars.
