There are two candidates seeking the seat representing Region I - Allen and Lehigh townships - on the Northampton Area School District Board of Education: Democrat Roy J. Maranki and Republican Douglas Vaughn. Voters will choose one in the Nov. 2 election.

The candidates were asked to respond to the following question in 100 words or less:

Once a COVID-19 vaccine is approved for all children, should it be included in the list of already-required vaccines needed to attend school? Please explain.

ROY J. MARANKI

Safety, health and well-being are the priorities for our students, supported by the mandate requiring masks in the classroom to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I believe the vaccine should not be a requirement, and the ultimate decision for a student to receive the vaccine should be decided by their parents.

Efforts to contact Vaughn were unsuccessful.