PA election 2023 voters guide: Candidates for school board in State College & Bellefonte
BELLEFONTE AREA BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
(Vote for no more than 5)
Jennifer Barnhart
Party: Rep
Campaign website: win4bellefonte.com
Education: B.A. communication arts and sciences, Penn State
Facebook: Win4bellefonte
Email: jbarnhart.w4b@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Ensuring students are exposed to all paths of success, educating the whole student, and teaching HOW over WHAT to think are my focus. All are important and start with redefining success whether it’s through careers, post-secondary education, or volunteer work. As a public school district, it’s important to realize the values of each student and support their strengths and interests to help shape our community’s character.
The policies and personnel that we surround our children with are examples of what we hope for them to become and surpass. We empower administrators, teachers, and staff to advocate for courses, field trips, speakers, college visits, job shadowing, and extracurricular activities to educate the whole student.
As a board member, I will continue to serve our community to inspire personality, ethics, positivity, and individual success. I encourage my community to get involved and make an impact on the continued success of our district.
Patrick Vincent Buck
Party: Rep
Campaign website: win4bellefonte.com
Education: B.S. in mechanical engineering
Facebook: Win4bellefonte
Email: pbuck.w4b@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. Ensure the district is focused on the safety and security of the students and staff with a goal of one SRO per building. The district should be evaluating how to leverage technology, as well as allocating the necessary funds with safety as a top priority.
2. Focus on preparing students for life after graduation. Ensure students have the necessary life skills to be successful as adults. This includes providing them with multiple paths to success, including postsecondary education, technical skills and exposure to opportunities in the trades. Work with local businesses to foster relationships with the students prior to graduation that can be used as a jump off for future opportunities (co-ops).
3. Prioritize improved academics by using data analysis to drive results and track progress. Ensure the district is using clear and defined metrics to drive success and allocating the resources necessary to achieve those goals. Prioritize critical thinking and STEM initiatives.
Paul Dombrowski
Party: Dem
Education: Ph.D. communication and rhetoric, RPI; M.Ed. counselor education; M.A. English; B.A. mathematics
Facebook: Paul Dombrowski for Bellefonte School Board
Email: pdombrowski@bellsouth.net
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. Student safety — students must feel safe in order to learn. Seek state and national best practices and funding. Offer anonymous, open reporting of threats and concerns by students and parents. Foster sense of safety and peace rather than a fortress mentality. Cultivate cooperative activities. Train for trauma identification and intervention.
2. Funding equity, state and federal — Enhance existing advocacy mechanisms and public service messages. Urge parents and civic organizations to contact legislators. Grow teacher salaries for happier teachers. Public money for public schooling only. Make equity a theme throughout the school system.
3. Learning and reading — Oppose book bans. Require fact-based, science-based, and professionally complete history, civics, sciences, reading courses and library resources. Affirm professional authority of teachers for age-appropriate instructional materials. Cultivate students as autonomous thinkers and responsible citizens.
Julie Fitzgerald
Party: Dem
Education: B.S. psychology, Ursinus College; M.S. educational leadership, Central Connecticut State University
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1) Continue to focus on student learning by setting high standards for achievement that prepare students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Provide the necessary staffing, curriculum and technologies for all levels and types of learners.
2) Ensure healthy educational environments by providing the staffing, training, resources, technologies and mental health supports that enable the district to maintain safety and security in school buildings. Address the aging elementary schools to ensure that facilities are conducive to learning. Promote a positive school climate through policies that effectively address bullying and harassment.
3) Engage, communicate and seek input from the community on district priorities while maintaining fiscal accountability and transparency. Develop long term budget plans that address facility needs, building maintenance and other major expenditures to preclude spikes in property taxes.
Timothy D. Kessling
Party: Rep
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Be actively involved with the construction and, design of the new elementary school. It’s crucial to have people that understand the process and can give educated input throughout construction while being actively involved in the field to make sure the taxpayer and community get the most bang for their buck.
Address mainstream learning gaps caused by COVID. Virtual learning is not the future for our children. Children need interaction with one another on a daily basis to gain the necessary life skills to be able to function in the real world. Kids are our future and we need to pave the way to give them a better life than what we’ve been provided.
To ensure that every student is exposed to all paths for success after graduation. Make sure proper policies are implemented to teach all kids how to think and not what to think. Include the parents, teachers, and community, regarding policies and curriculum. Bring tradition, honor, and accountability back from the dead.
Denelle Korin
Party: Dem
Did not respond
Darrell Sharp
Party: Rep
Campaign website: win4bellefonte.com
Education: B.S. electro-mechanical engineering, Penn State
Facebook: Win4bellefonte
Email: dls1230@yahoo.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Ensuring a diligent process is followed in hiring the next BASD superintendent. The board must perform a thorough search, conduct a detailed interview process, and select the right leader to take BASD to the next level and I will ensure that happens.
Equally important is ensuring students are taught how to think for themselves. We must keep indoctrination and ideologies out of our schools. It is imperative to teach our students critical thinking skills so that as adults, they can form their own opinions and values. In turn, this leads to strong-minded and well-educated citizens. Those citizens create strong communities, and we all benefit from that.
Successful completion of the new Bellefonte elementary school building is essential. This is a very large investment for our community and needs to be treated accordingly. Success will occur through open communication with the community and ensuring the new building meets the educational needs for many generations of BASD students.
Donna Smith
Party: Dem
Education: B.S. education; master’s equivalency
Facebook: Donna Smith for School Board
Email: dlsmith251@yahoo.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: My life’s work has been focused on providing our students with the best education they are entitled to, regardless of circumstance. I have spent 30 plus years in the classroom working toward their success, and that focus has remained true throughout my efforts over the past 5 years on the school board. To that end, my priorities remain: 1) Seeing our new elementary school through to completion with responsibility and vigilance; 2) Ensuring our students are prepared for their future through educational innovation, academic improvement, and increased opportunities both in and out of the classroom; 3) Advocating for the fair and adequate funding of our schools that relieves pressure on the local taxpayer. I am proud to be supported by our teachers and staff who have witnessed my commitment to our district and recognized statewide as a strong voice for education. I vow to continue this work for the mutual benefit of our school community.
Kimberly Weaver
Party: Rep
Campaign website: win4bellefonte.com
Education: Bachelor’s degree in education
Facebook: Win4bellefonte
Email: kweaver.w4b@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: As a school board member since 2015, one of my top priorities is to ensure the continued success of addressing learning gaps across the district. Constant review of assessments and the steps that we are taking for growth in all areas is a must. We need to continue to seek better strategies to help our students learn. The next priority is open and honest communication across the district. Transparency is critical when it comes to effective decision-making. Providing students, parents, and teachers with available information regarding the topic at hand will instill trust in the board and the district. Last but not least, strengthening the district’s partnership with CPI will provide our students with several options for success after graduation. CPI has proven itself to be a champion of student success after high school, and providing resources to continue this is of the utmost importance.
Joe Yech
Party: Dem
Campaign website: sites.google.com/view/joeyechforschoolboard/home
Facebook: Joseph Yech for School Board
Email: jmyech@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Our educational system should be focused on providing the best for all our students. Three of my focus areas are:
Educators: Kids are the most important part of the educational system. Educators deliver that education, directly engaging our students. I will always ask myself how decisions we make as a school board will affect educators. My personal objective will be to not make their jobs more difficult. I believe in our teachers and staff!
Schools: We are building a new elementary school. I want to be involved in the decisions ensuring this is a viable school for our students and community for the long-term future.
Fiscal responsibility: As a taxpayer in the school district, I will be cost conscious when decisions are made. Expenditures should benefit the students and community in a tangible way by helping our educators deliver the educational experience that ALL our children deserve.
It’s about KIDS!
STATE COLLEGE AREA BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
(Vote for no more than 5)
Amy Bader
Party: Dem
Campaign website: slateforstate.com
Education: B.A. in biology Temple University, M.A. biology Temple University, VMD School of Veterinary Medicine at University of Pennsylvania
Facebook: Amy Bader, School Director SCASD
Email: amybader.scasd@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Given the opportunity to serve another term, my focus would be to support and expand upon SCASD’s Strategic Plan. Stakeholders from throughout the community came together to set these goals and administration develops a roadmap to achieve them. The plan is currently under revision, but still places equity at the foundation of the district’s work. There continue to be important issues to address, such as enhancing a variety of student supports and improving outcomes for numerous groups, such as students receiving special education. Additionally, I would continue my focus on facility replacement and maintenance. The district has addressed a multitude of issues regarding deteriorating buildings, but has yet to tackle Park Forest Middle School, which will be a major project to complete in the near future. Finally, related to the strategic plan, I want to see SCASD continue to grow in its ability to support the WHOLE student and make each one feel a sense of safety and belonging.
Nathan Bish
Party: Rep
Facebook: Nathan Bish for SCASD School Board
Email: nathanbishforscasd@hotmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: These are not listed in any particular order but first I will start with school security. We need to ensure that our buildings and grounds are 100% secure. I will work with local law enforcement to ensure options are available both at the school districts expense but more importantly at the expense of local law enforcement, with taxes that have already been paid. Parent involvement is another issue I will focus on. We need to get back to where school districts and parents are a 50-50 partnership. No decision should be made for a child unless a parent is aware of them we need to stop the secrets. Complete fiscal responsibility will be my last subject to focus on. We need to not only make sure that monies are being spent wisely, but also focus on ways to cut taxes and not just have a spend first attitude for every issue that arises.
Gretchen Brandt
Party: Dem
Campaign website: slateforstate.com
Education: B.A. University of Colorado, Boulder, international affairs and Germanic studies; M.A. Central Michigan University, public administration; Ph.D. (ABD), Penn State, political science
Facebook: Gretchen Brandt SCASD Board Member
Twitter: @gsb125
Email: gsb125@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: I would like to continue to serve on the board and strive for equitable academic excellence for all students. I assess priorities and votes based on my principles and the district’s Strategic Plan. Second, to maintain trust and transparency so that all families in the district feel included and valued. This is achieved by prioritizing good process. I would like to continue my work with SCASD and the surrounding local governments through my work with the Council of Governments. Having served as the Chair of the Solar Power Purchase Agreement Working Group, I have the knowledge and experience to help bring this consortium together to pool electricity and find a grid-tied utility solar project that can meet our current and future demand. Additionally, I would like to continue to champion the adoption of inclusive design, renewable energy, prioritize the sustainable design and construction of Park Forest Middle School, and to be a leader in the district’s transition to electric school buses.
Anne Demo
Party: Dem
Campaign website: slateforstate.com
Education: Ph.D. in speech communication, Penn State (2000)
Facebook: Anne Demo for SCASD School Board
Twitter: @atDemolition
Email: annedemo4scasd@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: My central priority is supporting the well-being and safety of all students as they set the academic foundation for fulfilling lives. Because I provided learning support in SCASD classrooms during the pandemic, I know what district policies feel like for learners. That experience prepares me to center student needs when evaluating curriculum and programs.
Developing smart budgets that retain and support our expert teachers is essential. SCASD ranks in the top 2% of PA school districts because our teachers have years of experience. However, teaching and learning are a challenge in deteriorating facilities. Addressing the pressing need for renovations at Park Forest Middle School without overburdening taxpayers is an immediate priority.
I will also prioritize communication with the community. As a parent of a senior, I’m grateful for all the different avenues of involvement SCASD offers. I look forward to connecting in ways that continue to build trust through transparency.
Barry Fenchak
Party: Rep
Campaign website: www.united4scasd.org
Education: BS Chemical Engineering, Penn State MBA Finance and Operations Management, Penn State
Email: bfenchak@comcast.net
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1) 55% of State College School District 8th graders are not proficient in math. We can do better for our children. As a school board member, I will always focus on our core mission: to provide schools where every student can achieve their highest academic potential. I won’t be distracted from that job by personal agendas or special interests.
2) We also have a duty to assure that every child placed in our care returns home safely each evening, and better for having spent the day in our care. We only deserve the community’s trust if we do all that we can to assure the safety and positive growth of every SCASD student.
3) We must be responsible stewards of our community’s resources. Over the last decade, SCASD spending has increased by nearly $250 million more than the rate of inflation, financed largely by $170 million over the rate of inflation in increased taxes. We owe the community an explanation, and we owe the community a real commitment to fiscal responsibility.
Daniel Kolbe
Party: Dem
Campaign website: slateforstate.com
Education: Philipsburg-Osceola Area High School, Penn State
Facebook: Dan Kolbe for SCASD School Board
Email: dwk5000@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: My primary focus is on promoting inclusivity, supporting the strategic plan, and advancing the curriculum. Inclusive school environments are crucial for the academic and emotional well-being of all students, especially those who encounter identity-related barriers. Policies and curricula that prioritize inclusivity have positive effects on mental health, academic outcomes, and reduce obstacles to success. To achieve district goals and priorities, it is essential to support SCASD’s current strategic plan, which serves as a roadmap for the district’s mission and ensures proper resource allocation.In addition, it is imperative to implement research-supported curricula that are relevant, engaging, and aligned with the latest educational standards, preparing students for college and career success. These priorities will enable the SCASD board to ensure equitable access to a high-quality education in a safe, inclusive learning environment, empowering students to succeed.
John Krajcovic
Party: Rep
Campaign Website: www.united4scasd.org
Education: BS in Civil engineering
Facebook: United for SCASD PAC
Email: Johnkrajcovic4scasd@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: Education — I will seek to improve education for all students. A good learning environment is essential for learning. When teachers don’t have the support of the administration with behavioral issues it negatively impacts learning.
Budget — I’ll make fiscally sound decisions, particularly with the capital budget. I have managed public funded transportation projects for over 15 of my 21 years at PennDOT. First I would support using a formal selection process for all capital projects which encourages innovation and can lead to cost savings. I would also look at the budget in a broad sense to use tax dollars in the most efficient and impactful ways.
Safety — I support policy that improves the safety of all students, teachers, and staff. I not only would seek to improve security from outside threats but would support policy that protects students from in school violence, assaults, harassment, or harmful insults about who they are.
Megan Layng
Party: Rep
Campaign website: layng4scasd.com
Education: M.A. applied linguistics/TESOL B.A. Spanish and English
Email: layng4scasd@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. Parents. I would advocate for school board office hours where board members would be available for conversations with parents. For all the “listening” that happens in board meetings, many parents don’t feel very heard. There is a kind of expertise that cannot be taught and cannot be replaced. It is positional authority, by virtue of being a parent. This domain must be respected.
2. Teachers. Teachers should be trusted to teach their subject matter according to their conscience and their training, and in recognition of a common humanity. Teachers should not be burdened with the responsibility of creating group think in the arena of values. To build relationships, I would like to see the board having meaningful conversations with teachers.
3. Students. Students are individuals first, with individual value, needs, and with common humanity. Cultivating mutual respect and civility is essential to a safe and trusted environment where kids can be kids again.
Aaron Miller
Party: Dem
Campaign website: slateforstate.com
Education: Ph.D. in human development and family studies
Facebook: Slate for State
Email: amm371@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: I will focus on academic success for all students, building trust and transparency with teachers and the community, and exercising good fiscal stewardship of district resources. As a member of the school board, I intend to work collaboratively to promote education and provide the necessary guidance for our administration to move forward. I will also emphasize the importance of social emotional learning in our schools, mental health, and promote new opportunities for students to succeed outside in our Career and Technical Center.
Michelle Young
Party: Rep
Campaign website: united4scasd.org
Education: M.S. in systems technology, M.S. in military science and international relations, B.A. in political science
Facebook: Michelle Young for SCASD School Director
Email: young4scasd2023@gmail.com
Q: If elected, what will be your top three priorities, and how will you address them?
A: 1. Advocating for an environment, particularly among students, where our commonalities are celebrated and eliminate the “us vs them” mentality. Rather than approaching relationships between individuals or groups thinking about all the potential ways they are different; it is more beneficial to gravitate to similarities, building relationships that will often supersede our differences or make them irrelevant.
2. Increasing opportunities for formal partnerships between the school board and families, the community, and teachers. Partnerships to resolve the inadequate communication and a lack of transparency contributing to an ongoing distrust between these entities.
3. Increasing viewpoint diversity. Though the board represents the viewpoints and opinions of much of the SCASD population, it is an ideologically homogeneous group in danger of operating in an echo chamber and is lacking representation of the viewpoints of at least a third of the SCASD community.
