Rita (Bortnick) Spinelli was born in Hazleton and raised in Lansford, graduated from Marian Catholic in 1971 and attended Millersville University. She graduated from LCCC with an AAS in accounting in 1988 and worked in various industries as a bookkeeper and retired as a Realtor in 2015. Spinelli is married to Louis Spinelli and has two children, Maia and Lou, both graduates of Lehighton.

The family moved to Franklin Township in 1980, where Rita became active with the Lehighton Area School District, including the Franklin PTO, classroom volunteer and the middle school transition team.

She served as a school director from 1993 to 1999, during which she negotiated four contracts to completion, started two more and served as board treasurer for two years.

“I was appointed to the LASD board by the court in March of 2018 when a vacant position was unable to be filled. During my interview, I promised to keep the district moving forward and treat it as you would a child — with support, encouragement and respect. I believe in public education, being honest, learning how things work before making changes and following the law. School districts are dynamic entities and rules change, but those rules should not be changed without thought.

“I have never been arrested or fired and I pay my bills and taxes. I have strong roots in Lehighton and will not promise anything I know can’t be accomplished. Experience teaches you that. What I know can be accomplished is a district that continues to improve.

“Lehighton Area School District, like all districts, is a work in progress that, in my opinion, is providing students with what they need in the best way possible. The building is done. We have great facilities, caring and professional staff, and I look forward to having a caring and professional board of directors. Please vote on May 21. LASD is at an important crossroads, and your vote will give needed direction.”