Cheltenham School District swears in four directors; Mulhern elected board president, Lohman chosen as vice president

Cheltenham Township School District officials read municipal election certificates and swore in four newly certified school directors before reorganizing the board and electing new leadership.

Judge Tolliver of the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas administered oaths for Caroline Watts, Leah Mulhern, Daniel Schultz and Zachary Epps, who were certified as winners in the November municipal election and sworn to "support, obey, and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this Commonwealth" and to "discharge the duties of [their] office as a school director for Cheltenham Township School District." (Judge Tolliver conducted the oath-taking at the board meeting.)

The board then moved into election of officers. Leah Mulhern, a recently sworn director, emphasized communication, collaboration and community in her brief remarks to the board: "communication, collaboration, and community," she said, as reasons she sought the presidency. After roll-call voting, the moderator announced Mulhern had won the presidency with five votes to four for the other nominee.

The board also elected a vice president after nominations and roll-call voting. Jenny Lohman was declared elected with five votes to four for Verdel Williams.

The board approved its regular meeting dates and times for calendar year 2026 as listed in the agenda; the motion carried on voice vote. With no public comments on non-agenda items in the room, a motion to adjourn carried and the meeting concluded.

Votes at a glance

- Temporary board president (appointment): Charles Bridal Williams (elected; voice vote recorded as in favor; detailed roll-call not recorded in transcript).

- Board president: Leah Mulhern — 5 votes; Dr. Whiting (other nominee) — 4 votes; outcome: elected.

- Vice president: Jenny Lohman — 5 votes; Verdel (Verdell/Bridal) Williams — 4 votes; outcome: elected.

- Approval of 2026 meeting schedule: motion carried (voice vote; no opposed votes recorded).

What this means

The meeting completed standard reorganizational business following the municipal certification of election returns from Montgomery County. The newly sworn directors join the board’s nine-member body and the elected president and vice president will serve in leadership roles as the board begins its calendar of meetings for 2026.

The board did not record substantive public comment on agenda or non-agenda items during the meeting.