After School Director's Felony Charges, Here's How Lower Merion's Board Will Replace Her

LOWER MERION, PA — If you want to join Lower Merion's School Board before the next election cycle in 2027, now's your chance.

The resignation of Jennifer Rivera, who was arrested on felony theft charges this week, has created a vacancy on the Lower Merion Board of School Directors.

Applications are open for residents who are interested in filling Rivera's seat. They must be submitted by Sept. 9.

The Board will review all submissions and invite "highly qualified" candidates for public interviews during a special meeting set for 5-8 p.m. Sept. 22.

The Board will appoint a candidate to serve as a School Director (member of the School Board) until Dec. 5, 2027. The winner of the November 2027 municipal election will fill the remaining two years of Rivera's elected term.

Rivera, a Democrat, was in the first year of an elected term that ran until late 2029. She resigned on Tuesday after the Mongtomery County District Attorney's Office accused her of misusing over $50,000 in her former employer's funds.

Another special meeting is scheduled at 5:45 p.m. Sept. 14 for the Board to formally accept Rivera's resignation.

Her former Board position is open to adults who have lived in Lower Merion or Narberth for at least one year. District employees and those who hold certain public offices are ineligible.

School directors are required to attend Board meetings (typically the third Monday of each month), their assigned committee meetings (which can be held during the workday or evenings), and other assigned duties as they arise.

Anyone interested should submit a letter of interest, résumé and contact information for three professional references by Sept. 9.

"The letter should state the reasons that the candidate wishes to become a School Director, what the candidate hopes to contribute to the Board and the candidate’s pertinent qualifications," the announcement says.

Applications can be emailed to Board Secretary Ruth Novak at novakr@lmsd.org, or mailed or hand-delivered to this address:

Ms. Ruth Novak, Board Secretary
Lower Merion School District
301 East Montgomery Avenue
Ardmore, PA 19003-3399

If you have questions about the process, call Novak at 610-645-1930. Click here for more info.