A major change is coming to the Elmsford School Board after challenger Charlotte Phoenix defeated incumbent John Hecht in Tuesday’s board elections.

Phoenix won by about 6% of the vote, according to unofficial results, in a race that unfolded amid growing tensions within the district.

The election comes after concerns raised by some parents, teachers and community members over alleged forced staff resignations and what critics describe as a lack of communication between district leadership and the public.

Supporters of the current district leadership, however, say school officials have been navigating difficult decisions while keeping students first. They point to improving graduation rates and academic progress as signs that the district is moving in the right direction.

Janice Griffin, of the Westchester NAACP, says many in the community wanted greater engagement from district leadership.

“The present school board has repeatedly ignored the community… they declined to meet with us, the NAACP,” Griffin said.

News 12 reached out to Hecht and the Elmsford School Board for comment but has not yet received a response.