WESTFIELD — Voters in Westfield on Tuesday returned Robert Benacchio, Kristen Sonnek-Schmelz and Mary Wickens to new, three-year terms on the Westfield Board of Education. The incumbents beat out newcomer Violetta Watson, who ran on a platform of supporting special-education initiatives.
The unofficial raw totals late Tuesday night had Ms. Sonnek-Schmelz as the top vote getter, with 3,445; followed by Mr. Benacchio, with 3,201; Ms. Wickens, with 2,991, and Ms. Watson, with 2,678.

Fewer residents voted in the school-board election than for the bond referendum questions. Roughly 3,000 residents cast a vote for who they wanted for the board of education, while just over 5,000 individuals participated in the annual budget and referendum questions.

In response to her re-election, Ms. Sonnek-Schmelz told The Westfield Leader that “the next three years are going to bring many positive improvements to our school facilities and curricular offerings. I am honored to be re-elected alongside Rob and Mary, and excited for the important work ahead as the district executes these long-awaited projects!”