10 look to fill 5 North Allegheny school board seats

The race for five seats on the North Allegheny School Board this Nov. 7 has five Democrats battling five Republican candidates for control of the nine-member school board.

Democrats Elizabeth Warner, Anisha Shah, Bob Gibbs, Jaime Martinez and Sylvana Bonner are running as a slate, Together for NA.

The Republican candidates, Libby Blackburn, Michael Weniger, Marcie Crow, Kate Matz and Janet Redwing Sidor, are running as Friends of NA Education.

Warner, Blackburn, Weniger and Crow are all incumbents.

The board in upcoming months may be considering issues such as planning and funding for potential renovations at both the senior and intermediate high schools; renovation and maintenance of seven elementary schools, three middle schools, the Baierl community center and the stadium.

Covering about 48 square miles, NA is one of the largest districts locally, with nearly 8,500 students and 1,180 employees.

Here are responses from the candidates, listed in alphabetical order, to questions posed by the North Allegheny Journal.

Libby Blackburn

Age: 59

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation: retired

Education: attended NA, graduated with honors in 1982; attended Bucknell University and Kenyon College, graduated with a B.A. in English 1986

Political experience: school board member since December 2011

What is the biggest issue facing the school district?

Finding a way to continue excellence in education, upgrade aging facilities, and keep all our extra-curricular programs, without raising taxes.

What can you do to solve it?

Careful budgeting allows us to continue to provide the best education. I believe North Allegheny has unparalleled success in academics, arts, and all of our extracurricular activities (which include all athletics). We have upgraded our facilities yearly. By going through the budget line item by line item, we can keep all aspects moving in a positive direction and not raise taxes.

Would you support banning or restricting access to certain books in school libraries if parents demanded it?

All materials should be evaluated for their suitability. They must be appropriate for the maturity level and educational needs of the student(s) reading the book. The board counts on staff to review material but if parents complain I would personally read the book. If I found it inappropriate, then I would try to ascertain how staff allowed the material to be present. Next, the board would determine if the book should remain in the library, or possibly only be checked out with parental permission.

Sylvana Bonner

Age: 50

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: senior manager, FedEx

Education: B.S., Psychology, Syracuse University; M.S., IT Project Management, Robert Morris University

Political experience: none

What is the biggest issue facing the school district?

The biggest challenge facing our school district is lack of true leadership and vision on the board which has caused significant instability — four superintendents in four years, high levels of turnover in many other important positions, elimination of library positions without adequate supporting data, and operational issues where, according to current board leadership, we “haven’t provided the best services.”

What can you do to solve it?

As a leader I will work to focus on the greater good for our district and will effectively collaborate with administration and educators. That collaboration often means asking the right questions to make sure decisions are supported by data. It also means hiring and retaining effective school leaders, which has clearly been a challenge for our district. My professional experience and personal qualities will allow me to work together with everyone on the board and in the district to pursue these important changes.

Would you support banning or restricting access to certain books in school libraries if parents demanded it?

No. We have hired exemplary professionals in our district. We trust and support them to follow established guidelines to select age appropriate books in each school, books that inspire and foster growth and development in our children.

Marcie Crow

Age: 51

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation: middle school teacher, Gateway School District

Education: B.S. in Elementary Education, M.Ed., Elementary and Secondary Principal’s Certificates, all from Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Graduate Certificate in Multi-Genre Writing, Oxford University; Graduate Certificate in American Literature and Culture, Harvard University Extension School; Graduate Certificate in Middle Grades, Liberty University

Political experience: North Allegheny School Board, 2019-present; vice president, 2020-2021, 2022-2023

What is the biggest issue facing the school district?

There is not one key issue facing our current board. There are four distinct categories that are critical and demand our constant attention: student safety welfare, parental voice, fiscal responsibility and educational excellence. Each of these is inextricably linked and crucial to the success of our district and communities.

What can you do to solve it?

During my time on the board, I’ve been able to use my extensive education in the field along with my 30 years of experience in public education to advocate for increased security in ALL our schools and additional school counselor positions; improved transparency measures between the board, administration, parents, and the public; vote AGAINST unnecessary tax increases and FOR a tax reduction, and lead the education committee to ensure excellence in our curriculum and instruction.

Would you support banning or restricting access to certain books in school libraries if parents demanded it?

I’m a proponent of the First Amendment of the Constitution and therefore do not support banning books. Yet, school districts have the responsibility of making sure the materials it selects for students are both age and content appropriate. That’s why policies are in place to ensure the adoption of textbooks and novels are part of a rigorous process and library and media selections made must adhere to certain guidelines.

Bob Gibbs

Age: 63

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: scientist/educator, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy

Education: B.A., Philosophy; B.S., Neuroscience, University of Rochester; Ph.D. Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine

Political experience: none

What is the biggest issue facing the school district?

Frankly, the biggest issue facing the district right now is the board. Lack of planning, misplaced priorities, and the inability to work collaboratively with other professionals has led to poor decision-making (e.g. firing of library secretaries), high turnover among senior staff (superintendents and principals), and reduced services (e.g. busing crisis, inadequate support for paraprofessionals and students). Fortunately, the vast majority of our educators are extremely talented and dedicated. Thanks to them we continue providing the best education in the county. But the district deserves a better board.

What can you do to solve it?

I and others on our slate have the leadership experience, the skills, and the values to operate at a level of professionalism the district truly deserves. This includes operating strategically, planning ahead, anticipating potential problems, and working effectively with staff to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for ALL the students in our district.

Would you support banning or restricting access to certain books in school libraries if parents demanded it?

No.

Jaime Martinez

Age: 21

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: NA alumnus and community advocate

Education: Bachelor’s in Public Health Studies, Bachelor’s in International Studies, Minor in French, Johns Hopkins University, December 2023

Political experience: appointed to serve as student representative on NA school Board for two years

What is the biggest issue facing the school district?

A positive, strategic long-term vision has dimmed in our district due to the unnecessary divisions brought about in the boardroom. Our learning environments — which includes the quality of our facilities, staff morale, and the need for a curriculum that prepares students to be global citizens — must be safe and welcoming for all. Making smart, forward-thinking investments in our community’s future while distinguishing between wise and wasteful spending of our limited resources is paramount.

What can you do to solve it?

Our district deserves a school board with diverse perspectives focused on finding consensus. I’ve spoken widely about my experience with polarization at NA and how to solve it, and I hope to break through the logjam of division and strife. As a proud and recent NA graduate, I’ll advocate for those who don’t often get a seat at the table while making bold, strategic choices that will build up our district — improving our students’ experiences and benefiting the broader community.

Would you support banning or restricting access to certain books in school libraries if parents demanded it?

No — and enough with the politicization of the freedom to read! Libraries are essential spaces for students to explore worlds and lives beyond their own. Book bans, which we’ve unfortunately seen throughout the country, are censorship.

Kate Matz

Age: 41

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation: business development

Education: Bachelor’s

Political experience: none

What is the biggest issue facing the school district?

I feel our current struggle is securing our schools in all facets. By this I mean I would like to make sure our students are safe from external and internal threats. We need to ensure we have the proper security measures such as additional school resource officers located in every school. I would also like to see a program internally to address the needs of our children who are being bullied and targeted whether verbally, physically, or through social media.

What can you do to solve it?

By serving on the board, I will be a part of implementing change and bringing transparency to parents. I will help forge the empathy and accountability program I mentioned above. We cannot afford to lose a single child to depression, drugs, or suicide because we failed them as a school district.

Would you support banning or restricting access to certain books in school libraries if parents demanded it?

My mother is a children’s book author/illustrator. I am extremely passionate about reading. I feel the books in our public-school libraries need to be age appropriate.

Anisha Shah

Age: 49

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: physician, research scientist, medical writer

Education: B.A. with Honors, Johns Hopkins University; M.D. with Distinction, Stony Brook University; Residency, Fellowship, and Sub Fellowship, UPMC

Political experience: none

What is the biggest issue facing the school district?

The biggest issue facing the school district is a school board majority that is reactive rather than proactive, which has resulted in real challenges for families. The most recent of these challenges has been poor transportation services but we’ve also seen high levels of turnover, instability, and divisive decisions such as cuts to library services that ignored our community’s outpouring of support for our libraries and our library secretaries’ livelihoods. These decisions have made a tangible, negative difference in our schools and in our students’ experiences.

What can you do to solve it?

Effective leadership anticipates challenges and plans for long term stability, growth and success. My career as a physician and medical researcher has allowed me to hone specific skills that I will bring to my board service. Among these is the ability to genuinely listen and to process important data points to make informed and proactive decisions. I am excited to be running with a slate of five candidates who are committed to being the leaders that our school district deserves.

Would you support banning or restricting access to certain books in school libraries if parents demanded it?

No. I believe in the constitutional right to choose. Banning books removes the right of all parents to choose what is best for their children to read.

Janet Redwing Sidor

Age: 46

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation: business controllership analyst

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, University of North Texas

Political experience: did not answer

What is the biggest issue facing the school district?

I believe the district has many challenges they will face over the next few years.

What can you do to solve it?

I believe the district needs transparency and a collaborative approach to work together for the better of all stakeholders.

Would you support banning or restricting access to certain books in school libraries if parents demanded it?

The district is required to provide age appropriate materials to educate all students. My goal is to focus on ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all.

Elizabeth Warner

Age: 47

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: engineer and current school director

Education: B.S. with Honors, Civil Engineering and Engineering Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University; M.S. Environmental Engineering, Johns Hopkins University

Political experience: North Allegheny School Board, December 2019-present

What is the biggest issue facing the school district?

The board’s unwillingness to compromise and work collaboratively is the district’s biggest issue. While there have been rare exceptions, the majority leaves out minority members on significant decisions. If we aren’t able to listen to other perspectives, future challenges, like balancing the budget, upcoming renovations to buildings, and creating safe and welcoming environments for all students, will continue to divide our community.

What can you do to solve it?

As policy committee chair I’ve demonstrated my willingness to build relationships and find common ground. The committee has reached difficult compromises under my leadership. I’m proud of that record. I remain committed to working with the entire board and across our community to do what’s best for our district. The slate of candidates I’m running with is a model for this — while we have different perspectives on some issues, we share the same values. We’ve promised thoughtful, inclusive leadership and all five of us will serve our community well.

Would you support banning or restricting access to certain books in school libraries if parents demanded it?

No. Our students should have access to a wide variety of books and staff who help them select age-appropriate materials. That’s why I voted to fully staff our libraries. Unfortunately, the majority — including Libby Blackburn, Marcie Crow, and Mike Weniger — disagreed, voted to cut staff, and our students have less access to our libraries than they did previously.

Michael Weniger

Age: 40

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation: general contractor

Education: B.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Bucknell University; M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Pittsburgh; M.B.A., Carnegie Mellon University

Political experience: Current NA school board director

What is the biggest issue facing the school district?

Keeping taxes low while upgrading our aging infrastructure

What can you do to solve it?

I am uniquely qualified to take on this challenge with my professional and educational background. I can better manage our costs because I can determine what upgrades are necessary for our schools compared to “nice to haves”. I want NA to be the best and have the best of everything, but we need to be responsible stewards of our taxpayer dollars. We can do both if we have the right leadership leading this effort.

Would you support banning or restricting access to certain books in school libraries if parents demanded it?

What I am for is common sense. Current board policy already requires educational materials be posted for 30 days so parents can be engaged – this makes sense and is reasonable. I believe all lessons should be age appropriate. I also acknowledge that NA is a public school and we need to be mindful there are a lot of differing views on issues. We need to be respectful and understanding of all people in the district.