6 seek 4 Riverview School Board seats
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There are four open school director position for the Riverview School District, according to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list. Six candidates are vying for the open seat. The candidates answered a few questions about their views and goals for the office.
Stefani Nycole Garibay
Political party: Democrat
Age: 33
Education: Studied English and psychology at University of Pittsburgh
Occupation: Small business operator/manager
If elected, what are two short-term goals?: Working with our districts team on a plan to implement up to date and proper training for our Learning Support staff. We have lost many students to outside specialty schools for basic needs and reasons that can be resolved and done within our own schools. The capability is there, the current training is not. Also, working with our students, staff, and community on building a supportive and trusted atmosphere.
If elected, what is one long-term goal?: Re-building our curriculum, most importantly our music and arts, effectively and economically, so we may retain our students and continue to produce success as Riverview School District.
How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? Currently, Riverview School District provides agendas prior to their meetings, as well as minutes via their website and social media, as well as provides emails of each board member and instruction on how to reach our board effectively. However, I would like to be more responsive to our constituents that reach out. There have been many occasions I’ve fallen on deaf ears, or so it seems. It’d be nice to know that we are being heard.
Brian Hawk
Political party: Independent
Age: 47
Education: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Penn State and MBA from Duquesne
Occupation: Eastern Area Manager for Nicholson Construction, a national deep foundation construction contractor
If elected, what are two short-term goals? As a current member of the finance committee, my initial focus will be on budget preparations for the 2022-23 school year. That process begins in October to meet the state-mandated deadlines. The second goal will be focused on the capital improvement projects that will be planned for next summer.
If elected, what is one long-term goal? The long term goal for the entire board needs to be viability of our district. We need to focus on what we can do to get enrollment up and keep our costs down. In a total budget that is just under $25 million, the board controls less than 10% of that amount due to state mandates and salary contracts.
How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I certainly encourage the public to attend our meetings and express their concerns or comments in that forum. I personally prefer to speak to people face to face, but my email is on the district website and would be willing providing my phone number to speak to anyone that has specific concerns.
Laura Jacko
Political party: Democrat
Age: 36
Education: Bachelor of Art in English and French from Westminster College
Occupation: Nonprofit and development professional
If elected, what are two short-term goals? I hope to connect students to outdoor learning and recreation opportunities. There are some great environmental projects at the school and I want to encourage and grow them. I also hope to do what I can to boost support for our arts programs to the best of my ability.
If elected, what is one long-term goal? Advocate for a better system for properly and fully funding our public schools in Pennsylvania. We have a long way to go to make sure that every district is financially secure and to ensure that every student in Riverview and beyond has access to a high-quality public education, no matter their background. We need more elected officials pushing for systemic change and a strong educational system, and I hope to be a voice for this cause.
How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I am available via email or phone and always attempt to be on top of my electronic communications and respond to people in a timely fashion.
Arlene Loeffler
Political party: Democrat
Age: Omitted
Education: Ph.D in Administration and Policy Studies, University of Pittsburgh; Master’s degree in education, University of Pittsburgh; Bachelor of Science, education, California State College
Occupation: Retired Director of the School of Anesthesia at St. Francis Hospital Medical Center School of Nursing (La Roche College) and Practicing Nurse Anesthetist at St. Francis Hospital, Professor of Nurse Anesthesia at University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing and Assigned Nurse Anesthesia Educator and Practitioner at Magee Women’s Hospital of UPMC, Regional Director and Government Affairs Officer – PA Association of Nurse Anesthetists; More than 35 years of experience as an incumbent Riverview School director, liaison for PA School Boards Association
If elected, what are two short-term goals? Continue as the Riverview representative to the Forbes Road Career Technology Center, and to advocate for students who desire a unique learning experience that enables them to be highly skilled and qualified for successful employment after graduation. Also, ensure that wise hiring decisions are made of faculty, staff and administrators who represent a broad range of skills and experiences and are equipped to navigate the challenges that face public educators today.
If elected, what is one long-term goal? Balance fiscal responsibility to the taxpayers while ensuring that Riverview is able to maintain the programs and activities that provide fulfilling educational and social experiences for our students. I believe it is important for students to continue to be afforded the opportunity to participate in activities, music, arts and sports.
How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? As a lifelong Oakmont resident, I will continue to make myself personally available to discuss any feedback, questions or concerns that parents, students, and citizens may have. Also, I encourage everyone to attend school board meetings, whether they are online or in person, to understand the many issues the school district must manage.
Jeanine Hurt-Robinson
Political party: Democrat
Age: 46
Education: ICM School of Business
Occupation: Accounting assistant
If elected, what are two short-term goals? Continuing to be fiscally accountable to the taxpayers while ensuring that each student has access to a high quality education.
If elected, what is one long-term goal? Ensuring the long-term sustainability of the district.
How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I live, work and volunteer in Verona and Oakmont. My involvement in community organizations and events makes me accessible to the residents. I am also available by phone, text and email for any questions, comments or concerns. I am always eager to meet new people.
Wendy Wilton
Political party: Independent
Age: 50
Education: B.S. in biology from Pacific Lutheran University and Master of Physical Therapy from Slippery Rock University (1997)
Occupation: Physical therapist for 24 years currently working in Home Care primarily with geriatric patients
If elected, what are two short-term goals? I will have an active voice in the ‘22-‘23 budget process, in order to maintain quality programs and staff while being considerate of the local taxpayer burden to fund RSD. Also, I will pursue funding and support for our music programs which have suffered in recent years due to budget cuts. It is important for RSD to have strong arts programs to appeal to families with children to stay in or move to the district. We have lost students to charter schools that are oriented toward the arts, which costs the district significantly. Rebuilding our elementary band program is essential to see our middle and high school band programs flourish again.
If elected, what is one long-term goal? My long-term goal is to keep Riverview an independent and financially viable school district while being fair to the local taxpayer, ensuring that every student has opportunities to be successful in academics, trades, arts, extracurriculars and athletics, maintaining safety standards to protect students, faculty and staff as the district continues to negotiate the covid-19 pandemic and embracing an environment of diversity and respect
How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I have actively participated at school board meetings on a regular basis for the past four years. As a community member, I found sitting down and having face-to-face conversations with school board members, administrators and teachers is the best way to communicate my concerns while listening to and understanding their perspectives. If a meeting isn’t an option, a phone call would work as well. I encourage all constituents to attend a few school board meetings each year to understand what school directors responsibilities are and how the processes work. I started going to meetings on a regular basis years ago because I only had superficial knowledge about what was happening in our schools. I learned by participating and now I feel prepared to join the RSD school board.