Editor’s note: The Times Express is only spotlighting contested races in the primary election.

Monroeville and Pitcairn residents will have a pool of 10 people to choose from in the upcoming primary election for four available seats at the Gateway School Board of Directors. All but one candidate has cross-filed and two candidates, Scott Williams and Robin Mungo, are incumbents.

School board President Brian Goppman and board member Rick McIntyre will not seek reelection.

Here are the nominees and their responses to election questions posed by the Tribune-Review:

John Bova

Democrat, cross-filed

• Why did you decide to run for election?

I am running for the school board because although I was probably smart enough to be a teacher, I was not nearly wise enough to do so. I am now convinced more than ever that education is the one cure that can potentially solve most of what challenges and ails America. The school board is a place where one can contribute to the educational process in a real and lasting way.

I believe that politics, when practiced with integrity and humility, is a noble and valuable pursuit. Similarly, politics can run amok and lead to fiascoes like the costly closing of Pitcairn Elementary School or the debacle now facing Pine-Richland High School.

I have seen ego get in the way of good decision-making when I was on the school board, and I believe I have learned the lessons necessary to guard against that in the future.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

The biggest issue facing Gateway is the same issue that is facing the world — the pandemic and its effects. Job one is to get the students back in school. I am confident that Gateway has the available square footage to get students back and still practice the necessary social distancing. The pandemic has given us an opportunity to assess remote learning, and it seems to be clear that students still need to be in the classroom to flourish. That may not always be the case, and we should continue learning all that we can about the virtues and perils of remote learning.

Two years ago when I was on the school board, the biggest issue was school safety and security, and I assure you that there was a biggest issue before that. Being a school board member requires an agile mind and a willingness to let go of preconceived notions, both of which are traits that I believe I possess.

• What should voters know about you?

The first thing, of course, is that I am the best candidate for the job. The second thing is that I am the best candidate for the job. A forum/debate was held recently with all 10 candidates, and the consensus was that, although there are many fine people in this race, I was the clear winner demonstrating a superior knowledge of the issues and articulating solutions that were clear and actually doable.

I was privileged to serve four years in the United States Air Force, I have a degree in business management from Carlow, and I have spent many years in the neurological testing field.

I have brought thoughtfulness and professionalism to the Gateway School Board and to Pitcairn’s council.

I have no particular agenda beyond good governance and the best possible education for all, and I have no political axes to grind. I am confident that a vote for me is a vote well spent and one that you will not likely regret.

Gary DeLorenzo

Republican, cross-filed

• Why did you decide to run for election?

I was a firsthand witness to the challenges of meeting varied student needs within the public school system, as my wife is a retired special-education teacher, and my daughter is a high school English teacher. Also, my experience as a mentor and educator with varied learners helped to ensure their academic success, such as advising students and facilitating student internships and job offers. The Gateway School Board Director position would allow me to continue my service back to the students and the communities of Monroeville and Pitcairn.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

Class delivery and student knowledge: The school district should continue to pursue the instruction safely in the classroom and address content deficiencies of students. Recent Harvard Research noted for fall incoming freshman that performance on content is down 20% from 2019 incoming students on college entrance exams. For the next academic year, the school district should adapt curriculum and pedagogy to help students get up to speed on lost content knowledge.

• What should voters know about you?

I support traditional curriculum content such as STEM, reading and the arts as examples to prepare students for the next phase of their lives. I am on the Democratic and Republican ballots, and to view my responses from the April 11th candidate forum, reference delorenzoschoolboard.com.

Brendan Kearns

Democrat, cross-filed

• Why did you decide to run for election?

I have always had a passion for education, and I believe it is my responsibility as a citizen to give back to my community. As a former teacher, sales manager and corporate trainer, I know the value of a quality education. I feel that my experience will have a positive impact on the school board and the school district.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

Keeping costs for the middle school renovation on target, reaching a fair and equitable agreement on the teachers’ contract and addressing any educational shortfalls as a result of the pandemic.

• What should voters know about you?

Throughout my career, I have always been a problem solver. I believe in listening to both sides before making a decision, and I always analyze what impact my decisions may have. I will always work for the best interests of our students and the community.

George Lapcevich

Republican, cross-filed

• Why did you decide to run for election?

I have no personal agenda and am not in it for prestige or monetary gain. To work for you and to be part of shaping our district now and into the future is an honor and a privilege in itself. I will bring my core values of honesty, integrity, transparency and common sense along with my ideals of equity, equality and education to the board. I pledge to do my utmost that “no child will be lost” and that their education and experience will be equal.

Being a homeowner and taxpayer of 40 years, with my wife and sons graduating from Gateway, makes me feel more than vested in the district. My past history as a board member speaks for itself. I worked until I got the best for Gateway and always within budget. I’m in tune with the budget, unions, negotiations and contracts.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

The three major actions going forward are taxes, budget and staffing negotiations. Contracts must be finalized in a timely manner, not months later, to satisfy all parties.

• What should voters know about you?

By using common sense, I helped save the district thousands in undo spending. I also helped in negotiating the donated new scoreboard with no cost to us the taxpayers. If spending is in control, our taxes will be, too. My goal is to keep Gateway as it has always been: one of the more exemplary education systems in the state. This is due to the administration, the staff, our parents and most importantly the terrific students. It takes a strong board to keep them all together, and I know I can be a strength to accomplish that.

James Lomeo

Democrat, cross-filed

• Why did you decide to run for election?

I decided to run because of the anxiety and tension we all witnessed with covid-19. I felt obligated as a citizen-leader of our community. When a person has the ability to provide guidance in these troubled times it is his duty to step up.

•What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

The most important issue to me is the nationwide lack of providing reading and critical thinking to students. I am not using the standard meaningless campaign slogans.

I want to be judged on my ability to increase the reading skills of all the students at every grade level. If for some reason I can’t convince the board, administration or teachers of the importance of reading-centric programs, then I should not be reelected. Though, if I am willing to be judged on my ability, then I should be given a chance in this election. Hopefully, by voting for me, the community will send a message to the board and administration that reading is the means to successful careers.

Another important issue is the mental health of our students. I want to increase our mental health programs. This is too important to argue about.

• What should voters know about you?

The community should know that I will behave and represent the community the same way I did as mayor, 15 years ago. I will treat the whole community as my client, and I do not have to seek guidance or permission from the solicitor or administration to discuss problems. I have been a practicing attorney for 35 years involved in real estate transactions. So, I understand the laws that govern the district and how to finance an entity efficiently. I have been honored by the Smithsonian as an author and honored by my peers by being selected as a council member to the Pennsylvania Bar’s largest committee and appointed assistant editor of this committee’s newsletter.

Leslie McBride

Republican, cross-filed

• Why did you decide to run for election?

I want to continue to help our students succeed while maintaining fiscal responsibility. I bring a unique skill set to the table with my job. I have the ability to bring people together to come up with amicable solutions to problems in high stress situations. I have also seen the different barriers that families and students face and how these barriers directly affect academic performance and extracurricular activity participation. My family and friends support my decision to run and will help ensure I am able to give the time necessary and deserving to the students, families and staff of Gateway School District.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

One of the biggest issues that needs to be addressed is communication and transparency. As I have been talking to families, this issue has repeatedly been reported to me. Families are also worried about the students’ transitions back to full-time school and what that is going to look like. Of course, other issues are being discussed, including taxes, contract negotiations, equality for all students and the renovation of the middle school. I have learned that there are different perspectives on what families and parents would describe as their biggest issue.

• What should voters know about you?

I have been a Monroeville resident for 11 years. I am employed by the Allegheny County office of Children Youth and Family. My husband is a public high school teacher of special education. My daughter, A.J. Denne, graduated from Gateway in 2013. My son, Tyler Denne, attended Gateway and is a 2021 University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown graduate. My youngest son, Peyton, is a student at University Park. Both of my sons have also been part of the special-education program as students with exceptionalities and additional supports, including ESY and after-school tutoring. I am also responsible for the educational needs of some of my clients in care that include IEP meetings and working with other services within schools.

Robin Mungo

Democrat, cross-filed

• Why did you decide to run for election?

I had a desire in the past but was prohibited because of my position as a Pennsylvania state trooper. I have since retired and was able to apply for the vacated board seat. I was selected to fill it and finish out the remainder of the term. During my interview for the position, I stated that I would run regardless of the outcome of the vote. I feel I have to be the change I want to see.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

I do not see one issue being bigger than another. I think issues need to be prioritized. With that said, getting our students on track to be successful is big. The pandemic is not over, and we have to figure out a way to not only transition them back into an in-person learning environment but also figure out how we are going to be of assistance to the employees of the district to provide them with the resources needed to bridge the gaps — the academic gaps, the social gaps, the emotional gaps, physical gaps and the opportunity gaps. We do not want children and their families to feel that they are all alone trying to figure out uncharted territory.

• What should voters know about you?

I am you. I am a longtime resident of Monroeville. I entered the Gateway School District in the second grade at Garden City Elementary School and graduated from Gateway in 1987. In between that time, I attended school briefly in Somerset, N.J., and Baltimore. I am a veteran of the U.S. Army Reserves and a 25-year retired Pennsylvania state trooper. I attended college at Norfolk State University and the University of Pittsburgh. I am a single mother of two children who have spent their entire school years at Gateway. I am a homeowner invested in my community. I am your neighbor. I am an active member of Garden City United Methodist Church. I am the founder of Allegheny County Camp Cadet, a nonprofit, residential summer camp that has graduated over 1,000 children. I am a listener. I am a learner. I am a common-sense thinker with no hidden agenda. I just want to do my part in investing in our children and our community. I am a public servant.

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Perry Munyon

Democrat, cross-filed

• Why did you decide to run for election?

As a Gateway parent and as a taxpayer, I felt I wanted to help Gateway with its decision-making and its policy in order to keep it a great school with a great faculty, all while keeping Monroeville residents a part of this process by representing them the best way I can.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

Alongside maintaining great faculty and curriculum, safety and security within the school’s buildings and on its grounds. But this is larger than just hiring people to patrol its grounds and events. Equity across the district’s diverse student body must be considered in the planning, hiring, training and implementing of safety policy. All students must feel safe as they learn, without fear of the security personnel or the process itself.

• What should voters know about you?

I am a product of, and a strong believer in, the public education system. I have a student at Mosside Middle School. I am a U.S. Army veteran. I am the shipping manager for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, and I have a BA in history from the University of Maryland. I will work hard for all residents of Monroeville and Pitcairn, listening and learning along the way.

Mandal Singh

Democrat

• Why did you decide to run for election?

I have a background in teaching and research experience useful for the position of Board of Directors, Gateway School District. Additionally, I am in my fifth year as a board member of Monroeville Public Library. Our community is diverse, and my background as an immigrant of color may facilitate the communication between the board and the constituents.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

My main concern is the achievement gap of our underperforming students and the student performance in general. A stronger liberal arts and STEM education may be useful.

• What should voters know about you?

Both my wife, Madhu, and I had a public education as did our two children. I did my MSc from Gorakhpur University, India and PhD from University of California, Santa Cruz followed by an academic career with the final six years on faculty, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (2007-13). We have been residents of Monroeville since 2010.

Scott Williams

Democrat, cross-filed

• Why did you decide to run for election?

I decided to run for election to make sure the taxpayers of Monroeville and Pitcairn know their tax dollars are properly spent and to provide the children of Monroeville and Pitcairn the best education possible. To be elected to the school board, the only requirements are that you be 18 years old and live within the boundaries of the school district for at least a year. The school board controls the largest budget in your community. The budget for Gateway School District is larger than the budgets of Monroeville and Pitcairn combined. If someone controls five votes on that board, they can spend your money any way they want. I want to make sure that doesn’t happen.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

The biggest issue that needs to be addressed at Gateway is to get the kids back in the classroom five days a week and provide them with the necessary tools and staffing to bring them back up to speed from the pandemic. With stimulus money from the federal and state governments, we could hire teachers and other staff members to help over the next year or two or three. However long it takes. That is what some of the stimulus money is for.

• What should voters know about you?

I am a Gateway graduate. I have a BA from Edinboro University in criminal justice. I’m a former Pony League coach and past president of the Pitcairn Baseball Softball Association.

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