BUTLER TWP — The Butler School Board will welcome three new board members in January, while a re-elected member will begin his third four-year term.

Six candidates competed for four open board seats in Tuesday’s election. It was one of only two contested school board races in Butler County. Slippery Rock Region 1 was the only other one.

John Conrad, a Republican, who has served eight years on the Butler board, won a third term. His biggest concerns with the school district are escalating pension and health care costs.

“And at the same time, we need to continue to provide a high-quality education that Butler is known for at a reasonable cost,” Conrad said.

Newly-elected members echoed similar sentiments to Conrad’s, particularly when it comes to striking a balance.

“My focus is squarely on the kids and their educations,” said Neil Convery, a Republican.

But what’s equally important, Convery said, is maintaining quality without having to raise taxes.

He listed a few ways that the district might be able to generate money. He proposed marketing the district website and getting more creative with naming rights.

As a district office manager for state Rep. Brian Ellis, R-11th, he said he brings both a state and local perspective to the board.

Alvin Vavro, a former Butler teacher and school administrator, received more votes than any other candidate. Avoiding tax hikes and balancing quality education for students are a priority for him, too.

“Those two things are critical: Maintaining the reputation and keeping taxes under control,” Vavro said.

He said it’s going to be important to make compromises and to work with the eight other members. But with the district feasibility study under way, Vavro knows there will probably be difficult decisions to make such as closing and redistricting schools.

“I think that will save money and utilize staff more efficiently, more effectively,” he said.

Meanwhile, Arthur Haag, a Democrat who served as a board member from 2006 to 2012, ran unsuccessfully. He also served on boards at Midwestern Intermediate Unit 4 and at the Butler County Vocational Technical School.

“You cannot win as a Democrat, period,” Haag said. “Part of the issue will always be you can run straight Democrat and Republican.

“I thank all the people that did help me, but that’s the truth of the matter,” Haag said.

David Korn, a newly elected member, and Chas Tanner Jr., who lost, could not be immediately reached for comment.

With all 24 precincts counted, Vavro had 5,838 votes, Korn had 5,133 votes, Conrad had 4,937 votes, Convery had 4,821 votes, Haag had 3,139 votes and Tanner had 2,791 votes. There were 44 write-in votes.

School board Vice President Helene Abramowitz, and members Paula Opalka and Linda Patten did not seek new terms.