Primary Election Series Part 2: Ellwood City Area School District Board of Directors Candidate Q&A

Note: This is part 2 in a 5-part series about the Primary Election. Part 1 provided general information about the election and where to vote. Parts 2 and 3 feature candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors. Parts 4 & 5 will feature candidate Q&As for Ellwood City Council and Office of the Mayor.  

The Primary Election will take place on May 20. The candidates running for Ellwood City Area School District’s Board of Directors include: Victoria Kincaid, Claire Fauzey, Robyn Nicklas, Kathy Galbreath, Nick Mancini, Kathy Tillia, and Norman Boots.

We caught up with the candidates before the primary election to learn more about the candidates and get their points of view on important issues in education. Today we feature Kincaid, Fauzey, Nicklas, and Galbreath. Part 3, tomorrow’s article,  featured Mancini, Tillia, and Boots.

Victoria Kincaid

Family: I have been married for 15 years this July, and together, we have four wonderful children. Our eldest, Trenton (19), graduated from Lincoln High School in 2023 and is currently studying pre-med Biology at Youngstown State University. Elijah (15) is in 9th grade at Lincoln High School, where he’s active on both the golf and basketball teams. Kenneth (11) is in 5th grade at Hartman Intermediate School and participates in Boy Scouts as well as the youth bowling league at Sims. Our youngest, Daphne (9), is in 3rd grade at Perry Elementary and is involved in ECLW cheer, Girl Scouts, and the youth bowling league at Sims.

Former Experience, Roles, and Years Serving on Ellwood City Area School District Board: I have not yet served any school board, but I am eager to bring my fresh perspective, commitment, and dedication to the role. Although I am new to this particular position, my involvement in community activities and my experience in leadership roles have prepared me to serve effectively on the board.

Why are you running for School Board? I am running for the school board because I believe it’s time for change. You can’t expect progress unless you’re actively involved in making that change happen. I want to closely evaluate how taxpayer money is being allocated and ensure it’s being used effectively to benefit our students and community. Additionally, I plan to examine our school’s educational performance, especially in areas where test scores have dropped, and work to identify the root causes and implement strategies for improvement.

Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve on the board? One of the key issues that motivates me to serve on the school board is the declining test scores. Our children’s performance needs to be thoroughly evaluated so we can understand where the district may have gone wrong and how we can improve. I want to ensure that our students are not only prepared academically but also equipped for everyday life. Additionally, the safety of our children is a top priority, and I am committed to making sure that our schools are secure environments where students can learn and grow without fear.

What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member? Serving in the United States Marine Corps has equipped me with resilience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to any cause I dedicate myself to. The core values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment that the Marine Corps instilled in me are values I will carry forward as a board member. I believe these qualities will allow me to serve the families of this district with integrity, a sense of duty, and a focus on what truly matters for our children’s future.

In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved? I am currently in my fourth year serving as the Events Co-Coordinator for the EC Wolverine PTO, where I’ve had the opportunity to help organize and support various school events. Additionally, I served as a trustee for the ECLW Football program, further contributing to our community by helping to manage and support the activities of local youth sports.

What differentiates you from the other candidates and/or board members? What sets me apart from other candidates is my unwavering focus on the kids and my commitment to advocating for their needs. I will not shy away from asking tough questions and holding the district accountable. My decisions will always be guided by what is best for the families of Ellwood City, and I will work tirelessly to ensure that their voices are heard.

What issues do you believe your district needs to address in its academic program and offerings? What changes would you recommend? One of the main issues our district needs to address is the decline in test scores. We need to take a close look at where our students’ performance was in the past compared to where it is now. By identifying the root causes of this drop, we can implement targeted strategies to help our students succeed. I would recommend conducting a thorough review of our curriculum, teaching methods, and support systems to ensure they align with the needs of our students and provide them with the best possible education.

What should your school district do to better prepare students as citizens? To better prepare students as citizens, our school district needs to prioritize teaching practical life skills that they will use every day. This includes lessons on managing finances, such as understanding taxes and making investments, as well as how to fill out job applications, create resumes, and navigate the responsibilities of adulthood. By providing these essential skills, we can help our students become self-sufficient, responsible citizens who are ready to face the challenges of the future.

As a board member, where would you look to make budget cuts? As a board member, I would start by thoroughly reviewing all incoming and outgoing funds in our district. My goal would be to identify areas where we can make cuts without negatively impacting our students’ education or well-being. This means looking at administrative costs, non-essential programs, and finding efficiencies in operations while ensuring that the resources we allocate are focused on providing the best possible educational experience for our students.

How does a school board balance the need to provide a quality education with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden? Balancing the need to provide quality education with the local taxpayer burden requires a collaborative effort from the board. We must work as a team to ensure that every dollar is spent wisely. This means prioritizing funds where they are most needed—directly benefiting students—while cutting back on areas where spending can be reduced without impacting education. I would focus on implementing cost-saving measures that benefit both students and families, ensuring we provide the best educational opportunities while being mindful of taxpayers’ concerns.

What attributes are essential for successful school board members? I believe the essential attributes for successful school board members include strong communication skills, integrity, and a deep sense of honor and commitment. It’s important to be dedicated not only to the students and staff but also to the families and constituents we represent. A successful board member must be able to listen, collaborate, and make decisions that serve the best interests of the entire community.

How would you handle the requests, if approached, by an individual? Special interest groups? If approached by an individual or special interest group, I would first listen carefully to their concerns and assess whether it’s something I can address directly. If it’s within my authority to respond, I will provide the information or solutions they need. However, if the request falls outside of my scope or authority, I will guide them to the appropriate channels or resources to ensure they get the answers they’re looking for. My goal is always to be responsive and transparent while respecting the proper procedures.

How can you contribute to a successful board meeting? To contribute to a successful board meeting, I will ensure that I thoroughly review all documents and materials provided ahead of time and seek out additional information if needed. During the meeting, I will actively engage by asking questions and offering constructive comments on agenda items. I won’t simply follow the consensus unless I believe it is in the best interest of the children and families of our district. My goal is to ensure that every decision made is well-informed and genuinely beneficial to our community.

What do you see as the current challenges facing public education in our state? In our country? The current challenges facing public education, both in our state and across the country, include a shortage of teachers and a growing concern about underqualified educators in some areas. This lack of qualified teachers not only impacts the quality of education but also puts added pressure on existing staff. Additionally, hostile environments such as bullying remain a significant issue, affecting students’ mental health and overall learning experience. Addressing these challenges requires a focus on attracting and retaining qualified educators, as well as creating a safer, more supportive environment for all students.

What are 2-3 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths? There are several strengths our district can be proud of. First, our students’ accomplishments are truly remarkable, from sports to extracurricular activities. These diverse achievements showcase the dedication and hard work of our students. Second, our community’s strong support for our children is another great strength. Whether it’s cheering on our teams or participating in school events, the families in our district are always there to encourage and uplift our students. This community spirit creates a positive environment for learning and growth.

What are 2-3 needs that must be priorities for our district to address? Why do you see these as needs? There are several needs that must be addressed in our district. First, bullying is a serious concern. I’ve heard from students who feel they can’t report bullying for fear of retaliation, which creates a cycle of harm that we must break. It’s essential that we create a safe and supportive environment where students feel empowered to speak up without fear of consequences. Second, we need to address the issue of low test scores. It’s important to understand the root causes behind this decline in performance and take targeted steps to improve student outcomes. Identifying and addressing these issues will be key to ensuring our students succeed. Finally, the rising cost of school taxes is something that deserves attention. We need to understand where taxpayer money is going and ensure it is being used effectively to support our students and educational programs. Transparency and accountability are vital to ensuring that funds are being allocated where they will have the greatest impact.”

If elected, what would you hope would be key accomplishments of the board during your years of service? If elected, some key accomplishments I would aim for include building a stronger, more collaborative relationship between the community and the board. It’s essential that we work together to support our students and ensure the best educational outcomes. Another priority would be improving overall student test scores by identifying and addressing the factors contributing to any decline. Most importantly, I would strive to increase transparency and accountability within the board, ensuring that all decisions are made in the best interest of the students, staff, and families in our district.

Claire E. Fauzey  

Family: My husband, Jonathan and our two daughters, Maura & Ella.

Employment: Currently I am a 7^th grade math teacher, next year I will be teaching in the Secondary Education Department at the collegiate level.    

Former Experience, Roles, and Years Serving on Ellwood City Area School District Board: I was appointed in August 2021 and was elected to the position in November of that year. Since then, I have served on the Personnel Committee, as the Chair of the Security Committee and as the Chair of the Student Affairs Committee.

Why are you running for School Board? I understand the importance of decision making both as a parent and taxpayer. On the educational level I continually participate in professional development on current topics in education, as well as, have conducted research in various educational areas such as the importance of extra-curricular activities for students and examining 7^th grade Math PSSA scores. I believe my education and experience give me a unique advantage that gives me the 30,000-foot view of what needs to be done and what are the best decisions for the district.

Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve on the board? Absolutely and it is the students. If the students are not the main focus in this position, you are in the wrong role. Everything that is done in that boardroom should be student driven; they are our future. When students’, and teachers’, best interests are in the forefront, everything else falls into place. Finance allocations, hires, curriculum and extracurricular activity decisions are all based on betterment for our students and keep our students and families in the district. So many successful individuals have come out of ECASD and are giving back to our community, I want that to continue.

What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member? I have a large background in education. I have been involved in education for the last 17 years. I have earned a Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership & Administration, a Master of Education Degree in Professional School Counseling Grades K – 12, a Master of Education Degree in Special Education Grades 7 – 12 a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science and a Secondary Education Teaching Certificate. I am also PDE certified in the areas of Social Studies, Math, Communications, English, Professional School Counseling and PK – 12 Principal. I have 4 years of service on the board and was able to be a part of a lot of improvement and positive changes in the district, I want to continue that progress.

In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved? I am a member of the EC Arts, Crafts, Food and Entertainment Festival and on the Fundraising Committee, I am involved in Holy Redeemer Parish with family nights and have created a Girls Group for middle school girls to attend, I am on the ECLW Hoops basketball board and helped get that league up and running, and I am member of the Wolverine PTO having the chance to participate in classroom parties and fun days in the elementary schools, and I am on the Homecoming Planning Committee for Westminster College.

What differentiates you from the other candidates and/or board members? I have a rich and extensive background in education. I have taught in the public school system for the last 17 years; I have volunteered in these classrooms for the last 7 years and my own education extends from school administration to teaching to counseling and principal practices. I am well versed in how the school system works and stay up to date with school law and educational changes. I know what high quality teachers look like to hire and what a positive atmosphere is composed of to teach in.

What issues do you believe your district needs to address in its academic program and offerings? What changes would you recommend? Our academics are data driven throughout the district. Changes have been implemented with additional math teachers and supports needed to allow students to succeed. With additional administration, curriculum is becoming consistent for learning throughout the buildings in the district. These changes have already allowed our district to no longer be a targeted support and improvement school, however improvements take time, and changes don’t occur overnight. Our attendance is growing and the need for disciplinary actions in some areas is lessening. Growth is happening with our academics. Truthfully, the decisions are made by the board on who to hire and what changes need to be made, but it is our teachers and our administration that allow for the change to be seen in student learning.  We aren’t in the classrooms teaching – they are. The credit goes to them and our students who are putting in the effort, the board just provides the tools needed to thrive. My recommendation, strike while the iron is hot and keep going in the direction we are going in, improving on improvements can only improve the quality of the education.

What should your school district do to better prepare students as citizens? The district does a great job with career readiness for our students. Even in the early grades students are made aware of interests and how they relate to jobs that would be available to them. I think that it is so important to have a great connection between our students and our local businesses and community members. Business and community members always rally around our students supporting them in the arts and athletics, they sponsor our events, and I hope to see those connections grow so our students know what is available for them right in Ellwood and what can prepare them here for post-graduation. Additionally important are the soft skills that students need throughout school and in the work force or post-secondary education. Resiliency and accountability are huge. These attributes go far in the classroom, activities, sports and beyond and make a well-rounded individual.

As a board member, where would you look to make budget cuts? I don’t think that cutting anything is ever the solution, taking things away does not build growth academically. Instead, it is important to look at what can be changed in a way that is more beneficial monetarily and also yields more prominent academic results. For example, charter schools take a huge chunk of our budget when students decide to enroll. What are we missing in ECASD that is causing students to leave? What can we do to keep them here? What can we provide to bridge that gap? Those are the questions that can benefit our financially and bring our resources back into the district.

How does a school board balance the need to provide a quality education with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden? Utilizing grants, allowing projects to occur that are not the responsibility of the taxpayer – such as being funded through a capital campaign and most importantly utilizing finances in the best possible way by looking at needs and what we can provide to service our district. The district has done an excellent job in adding necessary teachers and classes to improve student learning, the data was reviewed – action was taken, and the results are speaking for themselves. As an educator, a parent, and a taxpayer I understand the effects of all decisions made in each of those areas.

What attributes are essential for successful school board members? Several things, one is to be privy and aware of what is going on locally, on the state level and federally, these things all influence education. It is important to be fully aware of what you are getting into and what is needed from the us (the board) to be successful in the district. You need to listen to other board members, you may not agree, and you may not see eye to eye but listening is important.  Different perspectives can be eye opening. In the same aspect, be prepared to fight for what you think is right for our students and teachers, it can be thankless, and it can be exhausting but leaving a meeting knowing that you did your best, with the best intentions at heart is all that matters.

How would you handle the requests, if approached, by an individual? Special interest groups? Four years ago, I was asked the same question, it has happened and my answer is still the same. It is important to listen to what that group or individual has to say, if it is brought to the board then it is important to them. However, this is when the 30,000-foot view is important. What is the best for our students, our school, and our community as a whole? That is how decisions are made.

How can you contribute to a successful board meeting? I am very transparent on where I stand on an issue and can give sound reasoning of why behind it. If I don’t agree with you, I will explain why and if I do agree with you, I will support that as well. I believe it is crucial to listen before arriving at a decision and never take anything personal. It’s important to do your homework and understand what is on our agenda each month and again the 30,000 foot view of each decision and the effects it has on the entire district and community.

What do you see as the current challenges facing public education in our state? In our country? The landscape of education is changing, demands are increasing and there are other factors that make learning difficult that schools need to be constantly considering. For example, the economically disadvantaged population is increasing and bullying plays a huge role. Both of those items can hugely impact a student’s performance and learning. Districts need to take those factors into accountability and decide what can be done on their level to help students succeed. Also, funding as different leaders come in to office nothing can be predicted as to how funds will be allocated to different districts and if the same funding will be given each year or what can be taken away.

What are 2-3 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths? Our teachers and faculty, our parents that support our students, and #1 is always our students. These things are the heartbeat of the district. You can go into comparison of textbooks with other districts, or WPIAL records, or brand new buildings but it’s the people 100% that make our district the special place that it is. There is no better place than Ellwood, you can’t tell me otherwise.

What are 2-3 needs that must be priorities for our district to address? Why do you see these as needs? I believe that these are needs are already being addressed, and they will continue to be addressed as needed but they are the mental health of our students and teachers, the safety of our students and teachers and our improving academics. These top needs will never change, the way we meet them will change and advance as time goes on, but these should always be our top priorities.

If elected, what would you hope would be key accomplishments of the board during your years of service? In the next few years as we see retirements in the district from teachers who have been staples in our schools for years, I hope to see incoming teachers with the same passion and enthusiasm for teaching EC students as from our previous teachers. I would like to see the growth in academics continue to increase and provide the resources needed for our administration and teachers to allow that to happen. I hope to see renovation projects through to the end allowing all of our facilities to be at their best for learning and promote other families to move to Ellwood City. Id like to see a partnership grow with the borough, our goals are similarly aligned and that is to build a community that is prosperous, to grow and flourish, and be a desired location to be live in. Operational Health Ellwood is a great initiative, and I am glad to see our district be able to be a part of it and help the entire community.

Robyn Nicklas

Family: Husband Glenn and two sons

Employment: Curriculum Manager of English Language Arts and Social Studies K-6 at Lincoln Learning Solutions; a nonprofit online curriculum company

Former Experience, Roles, and Years Serving on Ellwood City Area School District Board: I was an RTI English Language Arts Facilitator for one year, then became an Autistic Support Instructional Aide for four months, both at ECASD, prior to being hired into my current position. Before that I was an art and physical education teacher at Holy Redeemer School for 4 years before it closed. I also assistant coached Ellwood City’s Varsity Softball team for 6 years from 2017-2022 and East Allegheny’s Varsity Softball team for two years from 2009-2010. I am currently in my second year serving on the school board after being appointed to a vacant two-year seat in December 2023.

Why are you running for School Board? I am running for the ECASD School Board after being appointed to the vacant position in December of 2023. I am running because I feel I owe it to the students and the community to use my education and experience as an educator to help continue better ECASD.

Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve on the board? I feel that all the issues that ECASD faces are important and deserve to be debated and decisions should be made with the highest standard in mind.

What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member? As a proud graduate of Lincoln High School, I furthered my education at the University of Pittsburgh earning a bachelor’s degree in media and professional communications with a certificate in Corporate Community Relations. I then pursued an Elementary Teaching Certificate K-6 and Master of Education in Instructional Leadership from Robert Morris University. I have been in education for 15 years. I feel that with my current Curriculum Manager position at Lincoln Learning Solutions and previous educational positions within ECASD have prepared me to be an educated, well-versed member of the school board.

In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved? As previously stated, I was employed by ECASD in two positions, English Language Arts RTI Facilitator and Autistic Support Instructional Aide, along with my assistant coaching experience with the varsity softball team. I am also involved in multiple youth organizations and volunteer in the district often for activities and events.

What differentiates you from the other candidates and/or board members? I am in the field of education, which is constantly changing. I consider myself a lifetime learner and am always reading and keeping up with the continual advances in the field of education as a parent, as a career woman, and as a current school board member. I feel that my well-rounded involvement and immersion in our schools is a pivotal quality that makes me stand out as a candidate.

What issues do you believe your district needs to address in its academic program and offerings? What changes would you recommend? I believe that the district needs to continue to strive in improving overall scores. While standardized testing does not show the full picture of what students represent, our district has been actively working on researching and purchasing the best curricula, implementing comprehensive training including professional development days, along with instituting intervention programs targeting problem areas. I am confident we can continue this endeavor. By understanding that scores are not the entire identity of our students, it is also extremely important to continue to maintain and upgrade our facilities to best accommodate them and provide a well-rounded educational experience by making sure as many interests are covered to get involved in.

What should your school district do to better prepare students as citizens? Our district works hard to prepare our students as citizens by providing not only a quality education, but by providing real world opportunities to prepare them for life after high school. While this can look drastically different from student to student, we need to make sure each individual student is provided the materials and resources to make the best decision for their future, whatever that looks like to them. The support to the students should be unmatched.

As a board member, where would you look to make budget cuts? As a board member, retirements ultimately lend themselves to look at budget cuts and ways to restructure our faculty and classrooms without compromising ratios or instructional time.

How does a school board balance the need to provide a quality education with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden? The balance between providing a quality education and the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden requires constant management of competing priorities.  Both objectives are of equal importance and decisions are consistently made through thorough discussion and deliberation, carefully considering the interests of both stakeholders.

What attributes are essential for successful school board members? Successful school board members should possess a combination of key attributes. Strong leadership skills are important to guide and influence decision-making processes. Additionally, a deep understanding of educational policies, laws, and best practices is crucial for making informed decisions that positively impact students and staff. Effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are also vital, as board members must collaborate with various stakeholders, including teachers, parents, administrators, and the community. Finally, a passion for education and a focus on the long-term goals of student success are fundamental to guiding the overall direction of the school.

How would you handle the requests, if approached, by an individual? Special interest groups? I approach all requests from individuals or special interest groups with careful consideration and respect. My first priority is to listen attentively to the concerns or requests being presented. I believe in maintaining an open and transparent dialogue with all stakeholders, while also adhering to district policy. When evaluating requests, I consider the overall impact on the district, ensuring that any decision made aligns with the district’s values, educational goals, and available resources. Additionally, I collaborate with fellow board members and district leadership to assess the request within the proper chain of command. Ultimately, I believe in all voices being heard, while also making decisions that are in the best interest of the district as a whole.

How can you contribute to a successful board meeting? I can contribute to a successful board meeting by thoroughly reviewing the agenda and conducting research to be prepared. I prepare questions and thoughts while listening to all stakeholders. I am there to contribute to the solving of problems and making informed decisions with education and best interests in mind.

What do you see as the current challenges facing public education in our state? In our country? Current challenges facing public education within our state and country include funding, teacher shortages, and equal access to education. There is more emphasis on mental health struggles along with keeping curriculum relevant in an ever-changing atmosphere.

What are 2-3 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths? Our district can be proud of their current teachers and their ability to work together to provide a quality education to every student. We can also be proud of our curriculum investments and implemented programs targeting educational gaps and test scoring deficiencies.

What are 2-3 needs that must be priorities for our district to address? Why do you see these as needs? We need to continue to address the scoring deficiencies along with keeping our curriculum up to date. There will be a need to prioritize restructuring and replacing quality educators with upcoming retirements within our district. We will also need to evaluate and upgrade facilities within our district to give all of our students the overall educational experience they deserve.

If elected, what would you hope would be key accomplishments of the board during your years of service? If elected, my ultimate goal would be to continue to create an educational system that is more equitable, innovative, supportive, and responsive to the needs of all students and faculty. This involves improving conditions for teachers, ensuring access to quality education for every child, fostering emotional well-being, and preparing students for success in an increasingly complex world. By focusing on these priorities, we can continue to make meaningful strides toward creating a quality school district.

Kathy Galbreath (McCommons)

Family: 3 Daughters

Employment: teacher

Former Experience, Roles, and Years Serving on Ellwood City Area School District Board: Currently, I am in my second term as an Ellwood City School Board Director.  I have held numerous leadership roles on the board which include Board President, Education/Student Affairs Chair, Personnel Chair, Contract Negotiation Committee for both the SEIU and the EAEA, Revenue/Finance Committee, Media & Communication Committee, and Recognition Chair.

Why are you running for School Board? As a longtime Ellwood City resident, I’ve been deeply shaped by this community. My parents, Ron Galbreath and Patricia Donnelly Galbreath, grew up here and in Wampum, and they instilled in me a lasting love and respect for our town. This town, teachers, and staff haven’t just shown love and support for me and my three daughters, but I’ve witnessed countless acts of selflessness, generosity, and care that reflect the heart of Ellwood City.  I decided to run one last time because I want to serve our students, teachers, staff, and community. With three daughters who have been part of this district, my school board experience, and years of volunteer experience in the district, I’ve seen firsthand how boardroom decisions directly impact our classrooms, children, families and finances. I bring an unbiased, fact-driven perspective and a proven commitment to making thoughtful decisions that prioritize our students while being fiscally responsible with taxpayers’ dollars.  I’m ready to continue working hard to support our amazing students, families, hardworking teachers and staff to help shape a school system that is well-governed and focused on preparing ALL of our students for the world ahead. I am asking for your support and vote one last time in the upcoming May 2025 election.

Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve on the board? As an experienced board member and lifelong educator, I’ve come to understand that while specific issues may shift over time, my motivation to serve remains constant: advocating for students. As a teacher, I advocate for my students every day. As a board member, I’ve expanded that advocacy to represent all students in our district. No matter the issue, my decisions are always unbiased, grounded in policy and facts, and centered on what’s best for students. This passion is what drives me to continue serving and advocating for meaningful, lasting improvements in our schools.  I am committed to: keeping jobs in our district by not outsourcing, supporting safety, facilities, and technology updates, making fiscally responsible decisions that respect taxpayer dollars and always championing and supporting our students, teachers, and staff.

What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member? As a current school board member, long-time teacher and spending many years as pto president, I’ve gained invaluable insight into the workings of our district. My many years of collaboration with families, students, teachers, staff, and administration have given me a unique perspective and deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face. These experiences, combined with a solid foundation in school policies, empower me to make informed decisions that benefit our schools and community. I have consistently demonstrated my ability to speak up and advocate for our students, staff, and teachers, as well as for those who raise concerns. I am always willing to ask the tough questions that need to be asked to ensure we are making the right choices for everyone involved.

In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved? I have proudly served as a school director for the past 7 years, but my longest and most fulfilling service to the community has been as pto president for over a decade. Additionally, my dedication to serving others extends to my work as a Girl Scout troop leader for several years and holding various leadership roles in Ellwood City school district sports and activity booster clubs.  Beyond the school district, I have volunteered for Christmas in the Park, served with the Salvation Army, and am on the Board of the Children’s Advocacy Center. These experiences reflect my deep commitment to our community and my passion for supporting both students and families in a variety of ways.

What differentiates you from the other candidates and/or board members? What sets me apart is my love and knowledge of school policy, my extensive volunteer experience in the Ellwood City Area School District, my education, and career background. With well over a decade of volunteering in different capacities for the district, I have consistently shown my commitment to supporting our students, teachers, and staff.  As a school director, I’ve demonstrated an ability to advocate for issues based on policy and facts — always keeping what’s best for students at the center of every decision. My years of volunteering, along with my professional experience, uniquely position me to continue serving and making informed, impactful decisions that benefit our entire school community.

What issues do you believe your district needs to address in its academic program and offerings? What changes would you recommend?  We must do more to offer additional remediation and support for our struggling students to ensure they succeed. Every student deserves the support they need in the classroom so they can graduate with the skills necessary to thrive in life, no matter the path they choose. Additionally, to keep our students competitive and prepared for the future, we need to offer a greater variety of courses. This will ensure that all students graduate not only with the academic skills they need but also with the opportunities and experiences that make them competitive in today’s world.  By providing both the support and opportunities students need, we will help all of them succeed and be prepared for the next step in their journey

What should your school district do to better prepare students as citizens? We have amazing students in the Ellwood City Area School District, and their success is not just about academic achievement. It’s about preparing them to be productive and responsible members of society. Developing social and emotional skills are critical, as these attributes are at the core of good citizenship.  I believe we need to continue implementing programs that foster and encourage this growth, such as: peer leadership opportunities, student government involvement, service-learning projects, clubs and extracurricular activities, financial and career literacy courses. By emphasizing these programs, we help our students develop the key skills they need to thrive as engaged, responsible citizens.

As a board member, where would you look to make budget cuts? Before serving on the school board, I didn’t fully realize how much of our budget is tied up in fixed costs, leaving very little room for flexibility. That’s why I focus on making budget decisions based on facts and always with students at the forefront of every choice.  With such a tight budget, I believe that pursuing grants is a crucial strategy to help offset costs and provide additional resources. I will continue making responsible, thoughtful financial decisions that help improve education while being mindful of taxpayer dollars.

How does a school board balance the need to provide a quality education with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden? As a school board director, I understand the fiduciary duty we have to our community. It is essential that we approach the budgeting process with frugality and mindfulness, ensuring that we do not incur unnecessary spending while still maintaining a high-quality education for all students.  Both quality education and fiscal responsibility serve the same goal: building a productive, sustainable school community that can thrive now and in the future. We must continue making thoughtful decisions that ensure the long-term success of our students, while also being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

What attributes are essential for successful school board members? Essential attributes are doing your due diligence to be prepared, integrity, and the ability to make decisions based on facts and policy while grounding decisions based on what is best for the students all while acting in the district and community’s best interest. These qualities ensure that every action taken supports a strong, accountable, and student-centered school system while balancing the needs of the district with the best interests of the community.

How would you handle the requests, if approached, by an individual? Special interest groups? I take the time to truly listen and hear what’s being asked, what’s needed, and what matters most to our community.  As school board members, we are public servants, and it’s critical to keep that front and center, especially as issues arise. I always encourage people to attend board meetings and voice their concerns. Many times, the board isn’t aware of an issue unless it’s brought forward and community input matters.  When it comes to vote during meetings, I base my decisions on policy, facts, and procedure and always keeping in mind what is best for our community, students, teachers, and staff.

How can you contribute to a successful board meeting? Contributing to a successful board meeting is done by doing my due diligence which includes reading policy and gathering facts for upcoming discussions and decisions, listening when questions and concerns are raised by students, teachers, staff and the community, and staying focused on what is best for the students. I have demonstrated my voting has no personal agenda, politics, or personal gains.  In addition, I have consistently proven a willingness and ability to speak up when issues arise that need advocated for, addressed or clarified.

What do you see as the current challenges facing public education in our state? In our country? One of the biggest challenges facing public education today continues to be funding and ensuring we provide the support our students, teachers, and staff need to succeed. These are long-standing issues that demand both attention and advocacy.  During my years on the board, I’ve shown consistent, proven support for our Ellwood City Area School District employees, students, and community. I remain committed to addressing these challenges head-on with thoughtful decisions, fiscal responsibility, and a focus on what’s best for our schools.

What are 2-3 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths? Our district has so many strengths and so much to be proud of but if I had to name our top three, they would be: Our Students, Our Teachers, and Our Staff. There’s a quote that hangs in the heart of our town:
“What Ellwood City Builds, Builds Ellwood City.”  I believe there’s no greater strength than our children and the dedicated individuals who help build and shape them every single day.  That belief is at the core of every decision I make. It’s what guides my service on the board and fuels my commitment to our schools and community.

What are 2-3 needs that must be priorities for our district to address? Why do you see these as needs?  To encourage continued growth and development in our district, a few key priorities include providing additional remediation and support for students who need it, continuing curriculum updates to keep learning relevant and rigorous, additional offerings of courses, expanding social, emotional, and mental health supports ensuring every student is supported, and maintaining and updating safety measures, technology, and facilities as needed. Addressing these areas is crucial for improving educational outcomes and creating a safe, supportive, and future-ready environment for all of our students.

If elected, what would you hope would be key accomplishments of the board during your years of service? It would be an honor to continue to serve this community one last time on the school board. My primary goal is to build a strong, unified school community where every decision is rooted in facts, policy, and the best interests of our students. I will continue making decisions that prioritize student success while being mindful of taxpayers’ dollars. This includes advocating for fair contracts that support our staff and teachers, while also standing firm on keeping vital services within our district by not outsourcing.  Throughout my time on the board, I’ve demonstrated unwavering support for our teachers, staff, academics, safety, technology, and most importantly, for the educational needs of our students. I will continue to champion these priorities while always keeping in mind the need for fiscal responsibility.  I am asking for your vote at the May 2025 election so that I can continue to advocate for the necessary changes, build a stronger school system, and ensure our children’s futures are at the heart of every decision.