HAVERHILL — When the School Committee tackles poor MCAS scores and other problems, a former elementary principal and a lawyer with young children will have their say.

The new year will see two new faces on the School Committee — lawyer Paul Magliocchetti and retired Tilton School Principal Raymond Sierpina.

Voters chose those first-time candidates to take two open seats. They joined a committee veteran who topped the school ballot yesterday.

Joseph Bevilacqua won his fourth four-year term with 6,052 votes. Magliocchetti finished second with 5,781 votes and Sierpina was third with 5,715.

Krystine Hetel and Daniel DeRoche Jr. placed fourth and fifth and out of the running, with 4,031 and 3,727 votes respectively. Incumbent Kerry Fitzgerald, who withdrew from the race last month but whose name remained on the ballot, finished last with 3,147 votes. Incumbent Erin Francescone did not seek re-election.

"I'm overwhelmed with the support I received," said Bevilacqua, noting that only Mayor James Fiorentini received more votes among 26 candidates for School Committee, City Council and mayor. "The people know I'm not afraid to speak out, and they recognize that I've had many positive ideas like the phased renovation of the high school and bonding textbooks."

After the results came in, Bevilacqua spent last night removing 200 of his paper campaign signs scattered around the city, and placing "Thank You" messages on dozens of his wooden signs. He thanked his mother, Shirley, for calling him everyday throughout the long campaign to offer encouragement.

At George's restaurant downtown, Magliocchetti hosted a party with his wife, Julie, for their supporters, including about a dozen high school students who volunteered on his campaign.

"I'm doing this for the kids," said Magliocchetti, who has two school-aged children and a third child entering kindergarten next year. "City Hall and Superintendent (Raleigh) Buchanan are going to be hearing from me right away."

Sierpina hosted a dinner party at his home in Bradford for family and friends.

"I want to thank my supporters and everyone who voted for me, as well as the other candidates who all ran great campaigns," said Sierpina, mentioning each of his opponents by name.

Sierpina's son Stephen is in his first year as principal of the Hunking Middle School.

"I'm looking forward to serving on the School Committee," said Raymond Sierpina, who retired a year ago, after a long career in Haverhill schools.

The committee has six members who serve four-year terms and are paid $5,000 annually. The terms are staggered, with three seats becoming available every two years. By law, the city's mayor is chairman of the committee.

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