11 in primary race for North Hills School Board

According to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list, all five incumbent members of the North Hills School Board are running for reelection to a four-year term. Six challengers have joined the race for the five seats. The incumbents are Phil Little, Deanna Philpott, Kathryn Poniatowski, Rachael Rennebeck and Helen Dee Spade. The challengers are Traci L. Brown, April Lynn Casey, Samantha Ellwood, John C. Hoffman Jr., Dana Merlino, and Ashley Stephens. The top five Democratic and top five Republican vote getters will move on the general election in November. All candidates are cross-filed.

Here is a closer look at the candidates and their responses to election questions posed by the North Hills Journal.

Traci L. Brown

Municipality: Ross Township

Why did you decide to run for election? My pride in the district. My family boasts four generations of North Hills graduates. I decided to run for school board to ensure fiscal responsibility. enhanced opportunity for parental involvement and school safety for this and future generations.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? School safety is of utmost importance for our children. This is a basic right that sadly can no longer be taken for granted. Parents need to have the comfort and assurance that their children will have quality educational experiences each day, returning every afternoon to the safety of their homes.

Why should people vote for you? I have demonstrated a lifelong passion to serve my community and the North Hills School District. While working as a co-owner of a successful local franchise, I have served in countless volunteer roles. I will bring that dedication and energy to my position as North Hills School Board Director.

April Casey

Municipality: Ross Township

Why did you decide to run for election? North Hills is a great school district and I want to ensure our students have the best education possible. Our schools are here to serve the educational needs of all our students. I enjoy learning about new programs and opportunities for our students and advocating for each and every child in our district.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Focusing our attention back to the education of the students. We need to put our students first with every decision we make to enhance and enrich their learning experience.

Why should people vote for you? I plan to use my experience as an educator to advocate for children and ensure that their education is our number one number one priority. I believe in quality public education for our current and future students in our district. I have a vested interest in seeing that every school is the best it can be.

Samantha Ellwood

Municipality: Ross Township, Ward 6

Why did you decide to run for election? I want to use my nearly 15 years of nonprofit educational experience to impact our district positively. I have seen school boards being used for the political gain of individuals or focusing on party talking points. I want to re-center the conversation on the actual needs of our district and community.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Student learning loss due to covid. These academic setbacks affect students now and will have a future community impact when the students enter the workforce. Schools and teachers need the resources and time to address this unprecedented situation.

Why should people vote for you? I have worked with school districts, teachers and communities for my entire career. As a result, I can bring a diverse perspective of innovative solutions to our district. Additionally, I have spent years managing multi-million dollar nonprofit budgets. I will be a responsible steward of funds while being transparent with stakeholders.

John C. Hoffman Jr.

Municipality: West View

Why did you decide to run for election? I want to improve the test scores in the district, along with the Pennsylvania state ranking of North Hills. My goal is to improve the future prospects of all our students.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The task the district is charged with: educating our children. We cannot focus on any particular problem. School directors must utilize a multifaceted approach to problem solving and balance the overall needs of the students, with plenty of room for individual attention.

Why should people vote for you? My children are successful in their careers. As a director of customer service, I have interacted with people globally from all walks of life. I have spent years volunteering in leadership positions with young people. These experiences will aid me in providing the best education available, while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Phil Little

Municipality: Ross Township, Ward 5

Why did you decide to run for election? I am passionate about public education and am seeking re-election to continue the good work achieved by working cohesively with the administration. As a voice for parents in our district, I am committed to advocating for the needs of all students.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The inadequate level of state funding for districts and the need to reform the cyber/charter school spending formula. To create more opportunities for students. I am committed to challenging our state legislators to have the courage to make necessary changes for the long-term sustainability of North Hills.

Why should people vote for you? My experience working in public education and with schools and communities across the state at the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General provides me with a unique perspective both inside and outside the classroom. This perspective will be an asset to serving on the board, and I am eager to contribute.

Dana Merlino

Municipality: Ross Township

Why did you decide to run for election? Education matters! Community and education are important to me. Schools are a fundamental part of a successful community. A majority of the people in North Hills are here to stay and I want to devote my time to helping create a rewarding and prosperous future for the youth in our community.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? One of our biggest issues is the downward trend of our students’ math scores. I would like to see an improvement in math scores and additional high school courses for financial literacy. All students should have opportunities for a thriving future via academic, vocational and job training skills.

Why should people vote for you? I care about the future success of our youth. I have lived in Ross Township for most of my life and I have pride in our schools and community. As a small business owner, I plan to use my own skill set to help make fiscally responsible decisions and manage difficult situations that arise in the district.

Deanna Philpott

Municipality: Ross Township

Why did you decide to run for election? I’ve dedicated my career to improving schools across Pennsylvania, and I love using my expertise to help our district. I bring a unique skill skillset to our board in K-12 mental and physical health, a passion for education and the drive to work for our kids.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? There is an increase in mental and emotional health needs and learning gaps. We need to address these issues with an evidence-based approach and a vision that includes best practices in education. We should be caring for the well-being of each child and our community as a whole.

Why should people vote for you? I’m a North Hills graduate who returned to raise my kids here — I love our community. That love, along with my professional experience, has given me a vision for our district. I work hard for our community and advocate for us every single day.

Kathryn Poniatowski

Municipality: Ross Township

Why did you decide to run for election? I would like to continue my work on the school board to provide the students in the North Hills School District receive a quality a quality education and are provided experiences in the classroom, along with extracurricular activities within the community that will prepare them to be positive and productive members of society.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Finding ways to address learning loss so that North Hills students have an advantage in their life pursuits.

Why should people vote for you? As a parent, educator and taxpayer, I am invested in the education and success of our next generation.

Rachael Rennebeck

Municipality: Ross Township

Why did you decide to run for election? Covid interrupted a good bit of learning, acclimating and collaborating opportunities to better our community. It’s as if we are just getting started with sharing ways to improve our district educationally, financially and with community involvement. I would miss it too much.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Improving education as a process with a focus on mental health needs. Creating what the classroom and and beyond looks like during these post-covid days. How do the two intersect in a healthy and positive way that benefits all students.

Why should people vote for you? I am fair, consistent and I ask questions when I don’t know the answers. My biggest asset is my willingness to compromise and listen, even if I may not agree.

Helen Dee Spade

Municipality: Ross Township

Why did you decide to run for election? I am a 50-year resident of North Hill and a former district employee. My job on the school board is not done. I want to continue to support the students, teachers and employees and ensure that we provide a high-quality education in a safe and supportive environment for all. We also must remain fiscally responsible while keeping our buildings safe.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? There are many issues, so it is hard to select just one. It is my job as a school board director to look at all issues presented to the board in a fair and balanced manner. We must remain focused on education while creating a safe and welcoming environment for all. Ultimately we must prepare our students to meet the challenges of today’s world.

Why should people vote for you? I am an experienced and active board member and have been vice president of the board for six years. I sit on multiple committees, including buildings and grounds, and personnel. I understand the policies, procedures and practices of North Hills School District. I am dedicated to North Hills and support our students whenever I have an opportunity. I am visible, accessible and easy to talk to. I am here for our students, teachers, employees, and residents. My other experience includes: Pittsburgh Business on Health (member), Allegheny County School Health Consortium (trustee), former North Hills SIEU president, former small business owner. I am on A.W. Beattie Tech’s board.

Ashley Stephens

Municipality: Ross Township

Why did you decide to run for election? We must provide our children with a high-quality public education that inspires lifelong learning. Likewise, we must do so in a fiscally-responsible manner, acting as excellent stewards of taxpayer dollars. In cooperation with other board members, I will effectively deliver on both responsibilities.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? We must ensure all students find pathways to future success that draw on individual strengths, talents and interests. Cultivating a culture of respect and cooperation across all disciplines is critical as our workforce becomes highly specialized, and we depend on each other’s skills to move forward.

Why should people vote for you? I am committed to delivering high-quality education and excellent experiences for students and staff. As a board member, I can’t accomplish anything alone. I am a collaborator, well-versed in building group consensus. This commitment to education and ability to work within a team will make me an impactful public servant.