Meet the 6 candidates in primary races for Chambersburg Area school board
There are five seats up for election this year on the Chambersburg Area school board, three of which are contested in the primary.
In Region 2, Carl McKee, 74, and currently the appointed director for Region 8, is running as a Republican against district parent Nicole Buhrman, 37. Buhrman is also running on the Democratic ticket.
In Region 5, Stephanie Harbaugh, a 40-year-old business owner, is running for the Republican nomination against Michael Boryan, a 67-year-old retired educator. Boryan is unopposed for the Democratic nomination.
In Region 7, Lorile Greenblatt, 61, and Mike Hayduk, 72, both cross-filed, which means their names appear on both the Republican and Democratic ballot.
Stephanie Gouss and Benjamin Raber are running unopposed in Region 8 and Region 9, respectively.
School board directors serve four-year terms. School boards are the governing bodies of school districts in Pennsylvania.
We emailed four questions to each candidate. Below are the responses, edited as needed for clarity.
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Region 2
This region covers the first and fourth voting precincts in Greene Township and the third precinct in Guilford Township. Current director Mark Schur is not seeking re-election to a third term.
Carl McKee
Tell voters about who you are and why you are running for school board.
Lifetime resident of Franklin County. 1967 graduate of CASHS. Graduate of Shippensburg University with the following degrees: B.S. Elementary Ed.-1971, M.S. Elementary Ed.-1975, and Masters in Ed. Admin.-1986. 46 years in education as teacher and principal. PIAA Baseball Umpire for 30 years. (I'm running) to help the district stay on track with the primary goal of any school—providing a quality education for all students.
What is the No. 1 problem in the school district and, if elected, what would you do to address it?
Having enough teachers to meet the needs of the students. To hire quality teachers to meet student needs.
The district is looking for a new superintendent. Discuss three requirements you have for the district’s next leader (i.e. characteristics, accomplishments, experience, views, etc.)
A good communicator to all stake holders in the district, visionary, experienced educator serving time as a teacher and principal, educational leader with focus on increasing student learning and being fiscally responsible.
What role should parents have in public education?
They should be actively involved in their child(ren) education on a daily basis. The teacher and parent need to work together in all areas.
Nicole Buhrman
Tell voters about who you are and why you are running for school board.
I’m a parent, educator, and active community member, and I am running for school board to advocate for access to student services and resources as well as support the district in hiring and retaining quality educators.
What is the No. 1 problem in the school district and, if elected, what would you do to address it?
Our community of students is growing in population and in needs. Growth alone is not a problem; however, the district not being able to accommodate the increase in students requiring specialized services is a problem. Our special education, intervention, emotional support, autistic support, and especially English language learner (ELL) student numbers have been steadily increasing over the last few years. I believe one step in the right direction is the state court finding Pennsylvania school funding to be unconstitutional. It is important for school board members to be advocates for our school district in holding the state accountable for better state-level funding.
The district is looking for a new superintendent. Discuss three requirements you have for the district’s next leader (i.e. characteristics, accomplishments, experience, views, etc.)
Our next superintendent needs to be able to exhibit leadership and collaboration to create a clear and attainable vision and action plan for the future of the school district that aligns with CASD’s mission, vision, beliefs, and values.
We need someone who places best interests and successes of all students at the forefront of decision making.
Our school district would benefit from a superintendent who is already involved in or willing to become an active member in the Chambersburg area as a way to build relationships and better understand the diverse factions of our community.
What role should parents have in public education?
I believe parents need to be active participants in their child(ren)’s education. We are the best advocates for our own children. We also need to be able to communicate with staff when we have questions or concerns or when questions or concerns are brought to us. Another way parents can be active participants is by attending school board meetings in person or via YouTube to hear what decisions are being made and discussions being had regarding our children’s education. My last role for parents is to vote in your local elections for school board candidates who are for public education and aware of the current academic needs and strengths of this generation of learners.
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Region 5
This region includes Chambersburg 1-1 and the second and fifth precincts in Greene Township.
Stephanie Harbuagh
Tell voters about who you are and why you are running for school board.
I am the CFO/Co-Owner of our family run machine shop in Greencastle. I am a life-long resident of Franklin County. I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a Degree in Psychology and Minor in Spanish. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family as well as playing volleyball. I was the President of the Greenvillage Youth League for two years and coached several local softball and volleyball teams, both recreational and tournament level. I am currently serving on the board of the Scotland Community Center as well as the Franklin County Republican Committee.
I am running for School Board because I believe that educating children in our community needs to be a top priority. We need to provide them with facilities, faculty and opportunities that will allow them to develop into capable adults. I believe that the school district, school board and the community need to work together to create an environment that produces intelligent, hard-working, accountable and responsible adults. We need to invest in the students today to help us all have a better tomorrow.
What is the No. 1 problem in the school district and, if elected, what would you do to address it?
As I have been out campaigning one of the most common themes has been that people in the community feel like they don’t have a voice for themselves, or their children. They seem to believe that there is an antagonistic nature between the District and the public that isn’t allowing for healthy communication. If elected, I will endeavor to bridge that gap and allow parties on both sides to not only speak their minds, but be listened to as well. The only way to accomplish my true goal, which is to have a student first mentality, is to get all sides of the equation communicating respectfully and working towards placing the needs of the students at the forefront of all decisions.
The district is looking for a new superintendent. Discuss three requirements you have for the district’s next leader (i.e. characteristics, accomplishments, experience, views, etc.)
I believe that one of the requirements for a new superintendent needs to be someone that has experience dealing with a district of this size and diversity. Chambersburg is unlike any other local school district and I feel that it would benefit us to choose someone who understands the complexities that they will encounter. Also, I believe that we need to hire someone who has a vision for what the district can be and where we can go with the resources that we have. To maintain the status quo is not, in my opinion, in the best interest of the students. I would like to have someone who will take a look at all aspects of the district and help formulate a plan for the next 5, 10, 15 years. We need to start being proactive, not reactive, when it comes to how we want the district to progress in the future and a superintendent with a vision would be the correct way to start. Lastly, I would like to see someone who will be an advocate for the students. Someone who will gather all the information and help make decisions with the benefit of the students at the forefront of their decision making process.
What role should parents have in public education?
I believe that it is extremely beneficial to have parents play an active role in their child’s education. Ultimately the school and the parents need to work together to provide an environment that is most beneficial for each child. I believe that the school’s role is to provide a child with the fundamental educational skills necessary to be a productive member of society. In turn, the parents need to reinforce the importance of getting an education by encouraging each child to work hard and be successful. It is my belief that with respectful and open communication both the parent and the teacher can work together to make sure they are fostering the best learning environment for each child.
Michael Boryan
Tell voters about who you are and why you are running for school board.
I'm a retired public-school teacher and administrator. I completed 33 years of full-time employment in both Virginia and Pennsylvania schools. Most of my career included 25 years of service in the Shippensburg Area School District as Director of Special Education. I think I am very well connected to the Chambersburg Area School District. My wife and I have lived in the Chambersburg Area School District since the mid 1980s. Her parents lived in Chambersburg since the late 1950s. We chose to reside in the district because of the high quality of its schools. Our children attended Andrew Buchanan Elementary School, Chambersburg Middle School, Faust Junior High School and CASHS. We currently have grandchildren attending school in the district. For hobbies I enjoy woodworking, fly fishing and playing the drums. I believe That I am uniquely qualified to serve on the Board of Directors of the Chambersburg Area School District because of my professional experience as both a public-school teacher and administrator. In 2004, I earned a Doctor of Education degree in school leadership from Widener University. I am a past CASD Foundation Board member. I currently serve our community on the Chambersburg Borough Planning and Zoning Commission and as an active member of the St Paul United Methodist Church Administrative Council.
As to why I am running: Education enriches both the individual and the community. My goal as a school board director is to help our children learn and grow to reach their full potential. I am running for school board School board because I am uniquely qualified with 33 years of experience in the public schools as both a teacher and administrator. I believe I can help the board understand how their decisions affect students and staff and hopefully make the most informed and practical decisions possible.
What is the No. 1 problem in the school district and, if elected, what would you do to address it?
There are several matters that are of utmost importance to me all related to school safety, student learning and staff needs. But, the thing I am most passionate about is school safety. The district needs to focus on improving elementary school safety as soon as possible.
The district is looking for a new superintendent. Discuss three requirements you have for the district’s next leader (i.e. characteristics, accomplishments, experience, views, etc.)
Three requirements for a superintendent include knowledge and understanding of the teaching and learning process, ability to communicate well with each of the various school district stakeholders and preferably someone who is well known and respected in the community.
What role should parents have in public education?
I will frame my response first with regard to "involvement" with teachers and administrators and secondly, with the school board. I think we need constructive parent involvement in the schools. Personal communication is important. With the advent of communication technology, I think we have become lazy about using good listening, thinking and speaking skills. So to the extent possible parents and school staff need to develop opportunities for healthy personal communication. Regarding parent involvement with the school board, I welcome parents who want to speak at board meetings. I want to listen to what they have to say.
Region 7
Region 7 covers Chambersburg 2-2 and 5-2.
Mike Hayduk
Tell voters about who you are and why you are running for school board.
I grew up in Western Pennsylvania to a working class family where I learned the value of hard work, the value of a dollar, and the value of education. I joined the Marine Corps after high school and served in Vietnam. I attended California State University of Pennsylvania earning a degree in Special Education and while raising a family and working full time for the Department of Defense I attended night school and earned two Masters Degrees. I was also a Citizen-Soldier, deploying to support combat operations in Desert Storm and in Afghanistan before retiring as a senior Army leader in 2012.
I came to Chambersburg in 1976 to take a job as a Department of the Army Civilian intern working for the newly formed Depot System Command at Letterkenny Army Depot. I retired from civil service in 2006 as a senior leader responsible for cyber security across the Department of Defense. I was the Parent Teachers Organization President when my children attended Andrew Buchanan Elementary School and I’m a past President of the Chambersburg Road Runners Club. I currently teach yoga at the Chambersburg Memorial YMCA since 2015 on a part time basis.
I am running for the school board because after attending meetings for almost two years I believe we can do better. My military experience has shown me that teamwork is essential for an organization to be successful and there is no room for partisan politics. I believe I will bring sound judgment and a spirit of cooperation with other school board members, teachers and administrators to enable each and every student to be all they can be.
Honestly, I had sought a younger candidate to run but no one wanted the job. So, when I began to assess my qualifications I determined that I had the right stuff and the time to do the job. And I was not willing to just let anyone assume the position. So I said to myself, “If not me, who? If not now, when?” We have a moral imperative to provide quality education to all students and I want to contribute to that goal. I am mentally and emotionally fit and will put my physical abilities up against anyone half my age. Furthermore, I am a five minute walk from the school district administrative building, across the street from the district maintenance facility, and a five minute walk from the high school and a ten minute walk to Andrew Buchanan Elementary School. It will be easy for me to be involved and keep all residents informed about what is going on in our district.
What is the No. 1 problem in the school district and, if elected, what would you do to address it?
I cannot say at this point what the number one problem is in this district. But I intend to find out by visiting one school in the district every week and talking to teachers, students, and seeing for myself what conditions our schools are in. I recently attended a Parent Teacher Organization meeting where my sons formerly went to elementary school and I was stunned by the challenges just one school faces. I intend to learn more and to address the problems that all schools in our district contend with.
The district is looking for a new superintendent. Discuss three requirements you have for the district’s next leader (i.e. characteristics, accomplishments, experience, views, etc.)
A quality candidate for superintendent should possess solid experience in all levels of the teaching profession. Also, a desire to advocate investing in our students because what the school produces are the people who will live, work, and raise families in our community and we deserve a well educated citizenry. Furthermore, it would be an advantage if the next superintendent were a known quantity rather than someone that looks good on paper and can perform well in an interview. We should give preference to candidates who have a history of worthy accomplishments in our district or others who have demonstrated involvement with the community in which they served.
What role should parents have in public education?
Parents should be a key partner in public education and raise their concerns to the district. I also think that well informed parents are essential and the school board needs to be transparent in matters that affect our district. My job will be to build confidence with parents who entrust their children to our teachers and administrators. I can understand if parents are concerned about certain controversial policies and subjects that expose their children to issues that they disagree with. I pledge to investigate those concerns but I have seen no real evidence that is occurring in our district. It will be my job to ensure parents understand that sound teaching practices are occurring so all students achieve their fullest potential and are prepared to be successful in whatever career path they choose. Every parent wants our children to become independent, responsible young adults who will contribute to our community and the world and be of service to others. I am no different from all district parents who want the school district to operate efficiently, to be cost effective, and to provide a safe environment for every student.
Lorile Greenblatt
Tell voters about who you are and why you are running for school board.
I have a long family history in this community. I graduated from Shippensburg University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I have always volunteered and been involved in the communities where I have lived. I recently returned to Chambersburg, after several years away from the area, and I see this position as an opportunity to restore my focus on being actively involved in the local community where I grew up.
My experience working in the Montessori Preschool setting with autistic students, along with my career as a Strategic Planner and Data Analyst with the University of Pennsylvania Health System will help me to be effective in this position.
The opportunity to advocate for maximizing student potential and achievement, in a positive, safe learning environment, while maintaining a fiscally responsible mindset is what spurred my interest in this position.
What is the No. 1 problem in the school district and, if elected, what would you do to address it?
Academic recovery from the pandemic is perhaps our greatest challenge at this time. Addressing the learning loss that occurred during that time will require working diligently with other members of the board, district staff and parents to develop ongoing plans to attract and retain teachers and support staff. Learning loss is complex and it will require time for recovery to occur, as well as implementation of specific short and long-term plans to bolster academic achievement of the students.
The district is looking for a new superintendent. Discuss three requirements you have for the district’s next leader (i.e. characteristics, accomplishments, experience, views, etc.)
We will need a superintendent who has a proven record and strong leadership in delivery of curriculum and instruction. We need someone who understands the needs of our students, possesses strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with all involved stakeholders. Lastly, we need a superintendent who recognizes the strengths of our district and builds on that foundation, while also focusing on forward momentum.
What role should parents have in public education?
Students come from varied backgrounds and their parents have an important role in their child’s education. A partnership with parents, students, and staff during a student’s educational journey should be a “top priority” to achieve the best outcome for each student. Parents must always have a voice in their child’s education.
This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: Chambersburg school board candidates participate in Q&A
