Three candidates are vying for two seats on the Northampton Area School Board Region 1, Allen and Lehigh townships.

John E. Becker, Barbara J. Knoll and Robert Mentzell are cross-filed on both the Democratic and Republican ballots for the May 21 primary.

Voters are instructed to vote for no more than two.

The Press asked the candidates the following question:

What makes you uniquely qualified to serve on the Northampton Area School District Board of Education?

Their responses follow.

JOHN E. BECKER

I am running for re-election to the Northampton School District Board of Education in Region 1. I am a lifelong resident and small business owner in the school district. I graduated from Northampton High School and taught in Northampton School District for 37 years. I have served on the board for the last three years. The combination of my teaching experience and service on the board of education give me a unique combination of qualifications to help the Northampton School District meet its present and future challenges.

ROBERT MENTZELL

My experience as a classroom teacher within the NASD provides me with a background to be of service to the students, parents and taxpayers of the district. I feel the major issue facing any school board today is to provide a quality education to all students while keeping a rein on expenditures. My 38 years as a secondary teacher in the NASD have given me a classroom experience that provides me with a unique perspective to guide this district in a positive direction. These are my goals, which I hope are worthy of your support.

BARBARA J. KNOLL

I do not feel as though I am uniquely qualified, but I am qualified, willing and wanting to help our school district improve student achievement by working on the curriculum to ensure our students are ready for the workforce or ready for higher education. I am a team player who will collaborate with the board to ensure the best outcome for the students while maintaining a fiscally sound budget. I am the mother of a recent graduate of NAHS and a current junior, and I have worked in the Lehigh Valley ever since graduating from Muhlenberg College in 1991.

The candidates for Regions 2 and 3 will move in to the general election in November.

Michael Baird is running for Region 2, Northampton Borough and East Allen Township, and is cross-filed on both the Democratic and Republican ballots. Voters in that region are instructed to vote for no more than one candidate.

David Gogel and Jim Chuss are running in Region 3, Bath Borough, Chapman and Moore Township, and are cross-filed on both the Democratic and Republican ballots. Voters are instructed to vote for no more than two.