Note: This is part 3 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. [VIEW PART 2]
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 Norm 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 Mancini, Tillia, and Boots. Part 2, yesterday’s article, featured Kincaid, Fauzey, Nicklas, and Galbreath.
Nick Mancini
Why are you running for School Board? I have always wanted to run for the School Board because I care deeply about the future of Ellwood City and our schools. After working in this community since 1977 and seeing generations of families come through McElwain Motors, I want to give back by helping ensure our district stays safe and strong and continues to serve all students well.
Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve on the board? Yes—the shrinking student base in our community concerns me. I want to work to make our district more attractive for families, support strong academic and extracurricular programs, and keep our schools a centerpiece of Ellwood City.
What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member? As a 48-year plus veteran in car sales, I’ve spent my life listening to people, understanding their needs, and finding solutions that make sense for everyone involved. That same approach is exactly what’s needed on the school board—clear communication, practical decision-making, and a strong connection to the community. I’ve also been deeply involved in youth athletics for 50 years, coaching summer baseball and working directly with young people and their families. I know how powerful structure, mentorship, and teamwork can be in a child’s life, and I believe our schools should support not just academics, but the whole student. I previously served on the board of our local Catholic school, where we fought hard to keep the school open. Unfortunately, we had to close due to low enrollment—an issue that continues to concern me today. I understand the impact a shrinking student body has on resources, staffing, and the overall health of a school system, and I want to be part of the solution. As a longtime member of Holy Redeemer Church, Divine Grace Parish, I value community, service, and doing what’s right.
In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved? I’ve coached youth baseball for 50 years, currently serving on the local baseball board, participated on the board for the now-closed Catholic school in Elwood City, serve the community through the Wolves Club and currently help organize community events through the Elwood City Festival Committee.
What differentiates you from the other candidates and/or board members? I bring decades of real-world, people-first experience and a deep understanding of our town’s values. My relationships across the community—from laborers to professionals—give me a unique perspective. I’m not just here to serve—I’ve been here, serving already.
What issues do you believe your district needs to address in its academic program and offerings? What changes would you recommend? We need to strengthen programs that prepare students for all paths—college, trades, public service, and more. That means investing in career and technical education while keeping strong academics and extracurriculars that draw families into the district.
What should your school district do to better prepare students as citizens? We should teach responsibility, ethics, discipline, and community service—things I saw modeled in great educators, coaches, and neighbors. Our students should be ready to lead and give back, just like the many ECASD graduates who’ve become doctors, lawyers, police officers, and more.
As a board member, where would you look to make budget cuts? I’d start by reviewing inefficiencies outside the classroom—administrative overhead or underused programs. Classroom instruction and student support should never be the first on the chopping block.
How does a school board balance the need to provide a quality education with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden? We need to be transparent and fiscally responsible—investing wisely in what brings real value to students while making sure our community understands how their tax dollars are being used.
What attributes are essential for successful school board members? Listening, humility, integrity, and a willingness to learn. Good board members don’t come in with all the answers—they come in ready to work hard and do what’s best for students and families.
How would you handle the requests, if approached, by an individual? Special interest groups? I would listen respectfully, consider their concerns, and then evaluate the issue based on what’s best for the entire school district—not just one group or viewpoint.
How can you contribute to a successful board meeting? By being prepared, staying respectful, and always working toward solutions. I’m a team player who knows how to work with people, even when we don’t agree on everything.
What do you see as the current challenges facing public education in our state? In our country? Public education is under pressure from funding gaps, declining enrollment, and increasing polarization. We need to bring the focus back to what matters: supporting students, teachers, and strong communities.
What are 2-3 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths? ECASD has produced extraordinary people—doctors, judges, police officers, laborers, and educators—who represent the heart of our community. We also have passionate teachers and a tight-knit school community that truly cares.
What are 2-3 needs that must be priorities for our district to address? Why do you see these as needs? We need to address enrollment decline, strengthen career-path offerings, raising test scores and improve communication with families. These steps will help keep the district strong and draw new families into the area.
If elected, what would you hope would be key accomplishments of the board during your years of service? I’d hope we preserve and build on the legacy of ECASD, grow enrollment by making our schools a magnet for families, and ensure every student—whether future doctor or tradesperson—has the tools and support to succeed.
Kathy Christine Tillia
Family: Husband, Robin Tillia, and son, Brandon Tillia
Employment: Home Caregiver
Former Experience, Roles, and Years Serving on Ellwood City Area School District Board: This is my second time running for Ellwood city area school district school board. I was a teacher and now in a career in Home care and helping people of all ages almost all my life. I love helping people, and want to make a difference by being on school board for our school.
Why are you running for School Board? I decided to run for school board because I want to do better for the school district, and care about the kids, education, and also had a long-time family member on school board before who has passed away. I learned a lot from her. I love and enjoy caring and helping people of all ages.
Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve on the board? Priorities if elected making sure kids get a good education and trying to keep budget down. The children are always a priority.
What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member? As a board member, I was part of the Eduction and Student Affairs Committee, Personnel Committee, and Safety Committee. Being open to help all children in a day care-preschool setting. I was a teacher’s aide and now with being an employee for home care, I can see how folks in our small town live on a fixed income. We need to keep taxes down and make sure children get a good education as well. Also, a willingness to listening to others decisions or opinions at meetings. I also have experience assisting children and teaching at daycare/preschool/elementary school as an aide.
In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved? Volunteer for Ellwood City Area School District PTO in previous years. Worked in the church nursery volunteering and helping kids. Serving food in the summer for the kids program in Ellwood City.
What differentiates you from the other candidates and/or board members? An openness to different policy and what administration brings forward. I am a good listener, attend all meetings (even with a death in the family), and focus on what I can control.
What issues do you believe your district needs to address in its academic program and offerings? What changes would you recommend? Our district needs to address the math program in certain grades and offerings. Math needs to be taught differently. Balancing school security. Holding staff accountable to high expectations. Target professional development. Need folks to monitor instruction and performance. Have mentors in schools mediating state and federal policies.
What should your school district do to better prepare students as citizens? Our school district can better prepare students as citizens by the choices they make and common sense. Provide support for standardized testing, which is a work in progress. Monitor performance and make high expectations part of the job.
As a board member, where would you look to make budget cuts? As a board member look at salaries, insurance savings, to make budget cuts, or people that rent maybe should pay a school tax. There should be a ratio of 65% of funding toward programs and 35% toward overhead.
How does a school board balance the need to provide a quality education with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden? Taxpayers would be in my thoughts always as fiscal decisions are being made. Good financial decisions should be made when it comes to the cost of upkeep and running the school to work as a team.
What attributes are essential for successful school board members? Looking inward and asking “How can we be leaner?” I know we have excellent staff at the administrative level, but very top heavy. We need to ask what needs done with our building? We need to address the decrease in enrollment and the need to keep taxes down. A passion for education. Doing what is best for teachers/students. Strong communication. Honesty. Willingness to learn and adapt. Strong communication. Strong decision making skills.
How would you handle the requests, if approached, by an individual? Special interest groups? Be friendly, listen, never make promises but make clear that all groups should be equally heard.
How can you contribute to a successful board meeting? I feel to have a successful board meeting take time and listen to issues, vote on conscience or from the heart, and take time to make a decision. Encourage a positive environment, use positive points, take notes, express gratitude.
What do you see as the current challenges facing public education in our state? In our country? Some current challenges facing in education in our state are state funding, underpaid and underqualified teachers, absenteeism and bullying, cost of supplies, need to teach skills for modern workforce, teacher shortages, mental health issues, debates over curriculum, poverty on student funding outcomes.
What are 2-3 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths? We have great teachers who create an educational atmosphere. We have custodians and maintenance folks that keep facilities clean and inviting. We have great cafeteria workers who make sure the children are nourished. We have support personnel that take care of the daily operations of the school district. I thank all of you regardless of your role in the students lives for the tremendous job that you do.
What are 2-3 needs that must be priorities for our district to address? Why do you see these as needs? Keeping a good education in our district in an ever-changing world. Accept the responsibility to provide the teachers and support personnel with what they need to create an educational environment that improves learning for all students.
If elected, what would you hope would be key accomplishments of the board during your years of service? If elected, I would hope my key accomplishments would be helping give the children a good, balanced education and a balanced budget to hopefully keep taxes not going up very often. If elected, I hope to establish a high expectation necessary for students and staff and the community and workforce. I hope to help make good decisions, to help establish enthusiasm for learning more daily, and to get essential skills in having a good solid education to continue further learning. I want to ensure that the Ellwood City Area School District is responsive to the vaules, beliefs, and priorities of the community and create stronger ties between the school board and the stakeholders.I would hope to learn something new, or it will be a day wasted for me. In the end, I want to feel I made a positive difference to one person or many after my time as school board director with God in front of my decisions and with a better vision/goal for today and tomorrow.
Norm Boots
Family: Married with kids and grandson
Employment: Retired from Lawrence County Career and Technical Center, part-time work at Portersville Christian School.
Former Experience, Roles, and Years Serving on Ellwood City Area School District Board: 8th year serving
Why are you running for School Board? When I first ran for school board, the district was trying to outsource support staff work. I worked hard with the other board members during my time on the board so that did not occur, and there have been two contracts since. Hoping to get baseball field done (lights, scoreboard). Main objective is to take care of the kids. I’d like to have the softball field actually be located at the little league field with both of them over there and combined. I am not for having the softball field and the former location of the Ewing Park School.
Is there a particular issue that motivates you to serve on the board? There are several issues. I support keeping local district support jobs from getting outsourced to outside agencies. I see the support staff people working hard, and I want to make sure they make a decent wage and decent benefits. I want to continue the work in remodeling district facilities and seeing the Boys Baseball field get the lights back. I want to make sure the kids in this district get a great education. I have a grandson that will be attending the district soon, and education for him and other students is a priority for me.
What particular experiences or skills have prepared you to serve as a board member? When I worked at Votech, I saw what was going on and what happens in a school district, and I want to try to make a difference and make positive changes. When I originally ran 8 years ago, I didn’t like how things were going on as far as administration went. From working in a school and being part of support staff, I understand how hard they work and I have respect for them and for all workers.
In what school district or community activities/organizations have you been involved? Went to Lincoln and graduated from there. New Castle School of Trades. I am a person that believes in God, and I like what they do at the Christian school. I’m proud of what I’ve done on this board.
What differentiates you from the other candidates and/or board members? From working in a school on support staff, I see things differently than others. I want to see people treated with respect no matter the position they have. It takes everybody to make a school run.
What issues do you believe your district needs to address in its academic program and offerings? What changes would you recommend? I would recommend a policy of no cell phones in the school. Different states that do not allow cell phones the grades come up. Our grades are too low. It’s a distraction, and our grades are too low because of it. I feel bad for the teachers in having to deal with students having cell phones. I also feel that teachers need to change it up and not do the same thing year after year. I do feel for the teachers not an easy job.
What should your school district do to better prepare students as citizens? There is too much focus on computers we need to get back to basics … reading, writing, arithmetic. Students need to be taught to respect themselves and to respect others, whether it’s the teachers or how they talk to each other. I also feel like there should be more of a focus on students learning a trade rather than just a focus on college.
As a board member, where would you look to make budget cuts? I always think everyone deserves a raise for working hard, but we also need to keep a close watch on spending. When it comes to facility updates, for a long time we kept kicking a can down the road and putting off construction to save money, but it is needed. We just shouldn’t break the bank so to speak. I want the girls to have a softball field but we don’t need to construct an MLB park. I’m a taxpayer too.
How does a school board balance the need to provide a quality education with the need to respond to the local taxpayer burden? While keeping the taxpayer in mind, we also need to make sure the kids have the resources, quality staff, and safety and security they need to be successful.
What attributes are essential for successful school board members? There needs to be a respect for others on the board as well as a respect for the public. The board needs to respect what the public says and consider what they are saying in decision making. We really have to balance it all out with academics being the number one priority.
How would you handle the requests, if approached, by an individual? Special interest groups? I always listen and take suggestions into consideration, have discussion, and bring up to fellow board to discuss together. Never make promises, but share opinions.
How can you contribute to a successful board meeting? Respect others. Take perspectives into consideration. Listen to debate. I vote the way I feel is right, and I leave with no grudges. We all have different opinions at times, and I still respect decisions made, even when we don’t have a unanimous decision on an issue like the nepotism policy. I did not vote to get rid of nepotism, I am for a nepotism policy.
What do you see as the current challenges facing public education in our state? In our country? Things are so different today than when I was in school. It is such a challenge for the teachers in providing proper discipline and some students really have a lack of respect. On the other hand, there are a lot of amazing kids. I just feel like schools are pushing too much technology and really need to go back to basics. Also, the work ethic is terrible nationwide. I really feel like we need to really push a good work ethic.
What are 2-3 strengths of which our district can be proud? Why do you see these as strengths? We are a small school district, which is something that I see as a strength. There are a lot of family values in the district and a lack of crime, which is a huge strength. I love the school system here.
What are 2-3 needs that must be priorities for our district to address? Why do you see these as needs? We need to get back to basics and an overall respect for one another. Things I also don’t want us being top heavy. We don’t want to have too many chiefs and not enough indians so to speak.
If elected, what would you hope would be key accomplishments of the board during your years of service? I want to see the baseball field get fixed … the lights, scoreboard. I want to see the students get the best education possible. I want to make sure no outsourcing of support staff jobs. I want to see through the completion of facility construction. I want to continue to make sure the students are secure and safe. I want to always respect and listen to the citizens.
VOTE NO INCOMBENTS!