9 in the running for 5 spots on Bethel Park School Board
Share this post:
Editor’s note: The Bethel Park Journal is publishing primary election previews with candidate interviews for contested races only. Bethel Park Council has no contested races in the primary, according to Allegheny County Election Bureau information.
In the race for Bethel Park School Board, nine candidates are running for spots on the November ballot for five open seats, all four-year terms. Each candidate is cross-filed in the May 16 primary, listed as Democrat and Republican.
The following are responses provided by the candidates, in alphabetical order.
Liz Avon
• Why did you decide to run for election? It is abundantly clear that the incumbents in this race will not protect my child’s freedom to learn. They are instead catering to, and supported by, a vocal minority within our community. I am running to ensure that all children’s education is protected and that administration and teachers are supported.
• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The elementary center has been a source of concern and confusion for many people. The decision to build the center was made before many even knew it was a possibility. Major changes need to be better communicated to all citizens of Bethel Park; enhanced community engagement is a must.
• Why should people vote for you? As a family law attorney and a former school board solicitor, I am uniquely qualified to be a professional representative for the citizens of Bethel Park. My goal is to make sure that every child feels recognized and safe within our schools and help Bethel Park reach its highest potential.
Barry Christenson
• Why did you decide to run for election? I’m running for re-election to the Bethel Park School Board to help our district deliver the best educational value for our students, staff and community. My goal is to help our district provide an exceptional learning environment for every student while utilizing financial resources based on a sound fiscal plan.
• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? During my current term as a school director, we created an exciting strategic plan to achieve even higher levels of performance. This plan identifies many issues that need to be addressed concurrently, including curriculum revisions, facility construction, renovation and consolidation and financing these projects.
• Why should people vote for you? During my tenure on the board, the district has excelled in academic performance through the right strategic investments in curriculum, student programs and staffing. With my engineering background, I will continue a special focus on initiatives such as STEAM to prepare our students for careers in high demand today.
Andy Cronican
• Why did you decide to run for election? The delay in the elementary center, failure to enhance our curriculum offerings and poor utilization of resources paid for with taxpayer money all contributed to my desire to run. I want Bethel Park to once again be a top school district that provides an exceptional education to all students.
• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The district is not providing the best education to all its students regardless of ability, race or socioeconomic class. Plans to improve academics and facilities must include input from all stakeholders. Clear and transparent decision making is needed, which includes proactively reaching out to different groups affected by the planned elementary center.
• Why should people vote for you? With my professional insights, personal experience, abilities and vision, I can help to improve the education of all our students. I will ensure transparency in major decisions. My goal is to make sure that all children, regardless of class, race or creed, find themselves welcomed, represented and included at Bethel Park schools.
Danielle Gosnell
• Why did you decide to run for election? There are expectations of the incumbent school board members that are not being fulfilled. It is important for school board members to maintain a good line of communication with all community stakeholders. Bethel Park is ready for some fresh ideas in all areas of local government.
• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Many residents are either unaware or misinformed about the new elementary center being built and how the closure of the five neighborhood elementary schools will affect their property value and recreation activities that take place in those schools. This is a huge financial commitment to the community and its stakeholders. Residents are currently in the dark.
• Why should people vote for you? Community service is the key to a healthy community. I have served on various organizations such as Bethel Park Lions Club, Rotary Club of Upper St. Clair-Bethel Park, Bethel Park Historical Society, PTO, Big Brothers-Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, Court Appointed Special Advocates and the Washington County March for Babies. I am ready to serve the community in this capacity.
Darren McGregor
• Why did you decide to run for election? We developed a five-year strategic plan for the Bethel Park School District. We were faced with an outdated curriculum, declining scores, low AP numbers and an ever-increasing mental health crisis with close to no supports for our students (only exacerbated by covid-19). We have made considerable progress, and I would love to see it through.
• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? All districts are facing revenue concerns these days, but I think one of the biggest issues Bethel Park is facing is the mental health of our students. We now have social workers in every building as well as student assistance teams in place, but we still lack higher levels of support for all students.
• Why should people vote for you? I have had two daughters go through Bethel Park already and two more in the Class of 2029. I have been a special education teacher for 31 years and have a unique perspective as to what really happens in a school on a daily basis. I want BP to keep moving forward.
James H. Modrak
• Why did you decide to run for election? This present School Board places education as its main focus. I am running for re-election to continue the work that we have started four years ago in making Bethel Park a leader in school education.
• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Today’s children are dealing with more social pressures than ever before, from bullying, school safety, food insecurity, emotional well-being, just to mention a few. And there is such a direct impact on their learning from these pressures. I believe that we need to make our school buildings safe, to make sure that we have the proper staffing to meet the needs of our students, and to provide them with a curriculum that will prepare them for their future.
• Why should people vote for you? I have been working with parents, students and other stakeholders in the Bethel Park community for over 30 years, seeing that our children are safe and they are getting the best education. I previously was a police officer in Bethel Park for 30 years, serving as the municipality’s first School Resource Officer and then the School District’s first School Police Officer. I have been involved in youth basketball and baseball for many years, and I am a member of St. Valentine’s Church.
Vincent Scalzo
• Why did you decide to run for election? My dedication to a high-quality education has always led my charge. We have built a strategic plan which gives us a road map and vision to compete and be one of the best Pennsylvania school districts. I would like to continue expanding on our many successes.
• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? An important issue is preparedness for the future workforce through the demand for STEM professionals in health care, technology and engineering. STEM education teaches problem-solving skills, innovation and creativity for developing new technologies, products and services. Districts investing in STEM education have a competitive advantage in our global economy.
• Why should people vote for you? School ranking and AP scores improved through our term. We implemented math intervention for struggling students and Inventionland for STEM enrichment. As the father of three young boys, I have the same thought as many parents: Will our children be ready? My goal is to do my best for every child.
Kimberly Walsh Turner
• Why did you decide to run for election? I am seeking re-election to complete our mission to fully implement the first Strategic Plan in the history of the district. This plan was developed by a collaborative effort of students, teachers, administration, board, and community members that resulted in the BPHS being named a National Blue Ribbon School.
• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The Strategic Plan was completed and adopted to focus on the strengths and concerns of the district. Continued implementation of the academic success and student achievement goals outlined in the first-ever long-term districtwide plan are imperative. I value academic success for ALL Bethel Park students, staff, administration and the community.
• Why should people vote for you? To keep BP moving forward both academically and socially, with the inclusion of all stakeholders in the BP community. I am running to keep academics for my third-grade son and all BP students the main priority. I am proud of the academic performance over the last three years from dedicated students and staff.
Damian Werts
• Why did you decide to run for election? As a first-time candidate, I was inspired to run by the untapped potential within the district. The current school board has missed opportunities to expand the educational curriculum, keep the new elementary center on schedule and provide necessary resources to allow for all Bethel Park’s learners to thrive and succeed.
• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The community engagement and communication need to be improved. When I speak to residents of Bethel Park, many are either uninformed or misinformed about major changes to the education system here in Bethel. I believe in both proactive and preemptive communication, including stakeholders throughout all phases of decision-making.
• Why should people vote for you? I am a father of three children in the district and a veteran. I believe in the promise of America, to include the promise of an equal education. A vote for me is to ensure that all learners, regardless of background, will be treated fairly and encouraged to thrive.