ELECTION 2023: Sharon City School District election preview

Oct. 19—Sharon City School Board candidates

SHARON — Six candidates are seeking five seats on Sharon City School Board in the November election.

All six candidates — incumbents Brian R. Faber, Deborah Roberson, Ciera Townsend; and newcomers David Buck, Christopher Ford and Matthew Vannoy — are running as Democratic nominees. Buck, Faber and Vannoy are listed on the Republican ticket as well.

David Buck

Buck, 52, is a professor of history at Thiel College. He has three children, two recent graduates of Sharon High School, and a seventh-grader in Sharon Middle School.

Buck thinks the main issue facing Sharon is ensuring the curriculum is geared toward all students moving into the 21st century.

"We need to make sure regular students have the resources they need to go to college. Same for the gifted and special needs students," Buck said. "They need to be learning skills to get jobs in the future."

Buck said he has been in education for the past 30 years, and while at the college level, the values of primary education are still the same.

"Given my own children's experience we've had the same questions asked about the robotics team," Buck said, adding that one of his sons was involved with robotics in Sharon and his daughter is in the special education program. "Making sure everyone has the resources they need."

He added that some parents have mentioned making sure children have access to vocational academic classes as well.

"I'm just excited about the possibility of serving in this role," Buck said. "I have an interest and passion for education."

Brian R. Faber

Faber, 58, has served on the Sharon City School Board for five years.

Faber had said the board is living in a unique time as schools are coming out of COVID, along with other challenges.

"We're trying to balance a budget while providing appropriate education to fulfill all the kids' needs," Faber had said. "I think there has to be a balance between spending and what services you can provide."

Faber said the board needs to look at different ways to provide the kids with what they need in order to succeed in their life after school.

"It's a continual process that changes over time," Faber had said.

Christopher Ford

Christopher Ford, 33, is the proud son of Terrance L. Crumby and Donna F. Ford and the eldest of six siblings. He grew up in Sharon and received his education from the Sharon City School District.

"I love and adore our community that we call home," Ford said.

Ford is the director of operation at TLC Livery and Removal Services and also works at Alliance for Behavioral and Developmental Disabilities as a residential professional worker and grievance representative.

"In my leisure time, I invest in our community and county," Ford said.

He is an executive board member of the Mercer County NAACP and the political action chairman, a board member of the Sharon Recreation Commission, a brother of Calumet Lodge No. 25 of the Free and Accepted Masons and secretary of Twin City Elks No. 187.

Ford is a registered Democrat and executive board member for the county party.

"Some of the issues that we face are bullying, transportation and sexual orientation to name a few of the problems that I have heard different parents discussing," Ford said. "What I plan on doing is talking to the board to discuss these problems and see how we can address them one piece at a time."

Ford also said people are talking about the importance of getting Tiger Stadium upgraded and more community involvement of the board.

Deborah Roberson

Deborah Roberson, 69, is a retired school teacher who has served four years on the school board. She has two grandchildren in Sharon City School District.

Roberson said there are a lot of things to get done around the school such as the stadium.

"And in the school, there's always issues with the students and making sure they have everything they need," Roberson said.

Roberson said the board needs to make sure the schools have people who are able to relate to the students.

"They need to know the struggles they go through, not only at school, but at home too because that affects how they are able to study and learn," Roberson said. "We want our children to be a success in school."

One of her main goals as a board member has been to make sure the renovation of the stadium takes place.

"I think there may be four schools in Mercer County who have grass fields," Roberson said. "But I want our students to have the best."

She said whether the board decides to install turf or keep grass in the stadium, there will always be problems with the field.

"I just want the best for our students because a lot of people use it in the district," Roberson said.

Roberson added that she thinks it is important to find the best teachers possible.

"We have teachers who leave and we're getting people into replace them," Roberson said. "We want the best for our children."

Ciera Townsend

Ciera Townsend has served for 9 months on the school board, replacing Board President Frank Connelly.

Townsend, 29, is a medical biller for Primary Health in Sharon. She has one child in the school district and a little one at home.

Townsend thinks the board can save more money in different areas and improve communication with the community.

"There's certain things we can do to help our parents out as well," Townsend said. "Offering different educational things for them. Just see what they need for their children."

Having younger kids, she sees that the board needs to take different avenues to see what all the kids need, including those with special education needs.

"I'm a proponent of the kids and their education," Townsend said. "Anything and everything I can give them."

Townsend said she tells people all the time that her door is always open.

"If you need anything — people reach out to me all the time — I'll listen to get it resolved or help out any way I can," Townsend said.

Matt Vannoy

Vannoy, 37, is a high school principal who was born and raised in Sharon. He has served on several city committees including the Community Library of the Shenango Valley and the street authority.

Vannoy is currently working on his doctorate in education from Youngstown State University. He has served in education as a teacher or administrator for almost 15 years.

Vannoy said finances are always an important issue.

"Continuing to invest in education for the school district and benefit of the city," Vannoy said. "We need to continue being transparent and improve communications between the district and the community."

Vannoy said he brings a good perspective and a lot of experience with the district as a Sharon graduate and serving the district. He worked as an assistant middle high school principal for the district and served as high school track and field coach and assistant cross country coach.

"I have knowledge of how schools operate and how the Pennsylvania Department of Education operates," Vannoy said. "I have experience on board and a perspective as to how to weigh everything that faces a board."

Vannoy said it's important to provide the best education for the best value.

"Sharon provides a top notch education," Vannoy said. "I've always said that Sharon City School District is one of the best kept secrets in the valley."

Follow Melissa Klaric on twitter @HeraldKlaric or email her at mklaric@sharonherald.com