Four members of the Hampton School Board are seeking reelection this year, with one challenger making the May 20 primary contested.

All of the candidates are cross-filed and will appear on the Democratic and Republican ballots for the four-year seats.

Denise Balason

Age: 56

Political affiliation: Republican, cross-filed

Education: Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia; master’s degrees from Old Dominion University and the University of Pittsburgh

Occupation: Researcher at University of Pittsburgh

Residence: Hampton

Elected experience: 14 years on Hampton School Board

Why I’m running: It has been an honor to be a member of Hampton’s School Board for the past 14 years, and I would like to continue in this role. Our school district is top-notch, the beacon of academic excellence our families expect and the asset that sets Hampton apart from other communities. This success is in large part due to consistent and responsible leadership from our school board and our excellent working relationship with each other and with the district administration. I am currently the board secretary and have served on or been chair of every board committee, so I thoroughly understand the issues facing public education and Hampton in particular, as well as the need to make decisions that use our taxpayer money wisely. I have experience, perspective and energy, and I would like to continue serving our outstanding school district and community.

Jill Hamlin

Age: 54

Political affiliation: Independent, cross-filed

Education: Bachelor’s degree from Washington & Jefferson College

Occupation: Worked in social services until leaving the workforce to raise children

Residence: Hampton

Elected experience: Hampton School Board since 2017

Why I’m running: I am seeking reelection to the Hampton Township School Board to continue the long-established tradition of excellence in our school community. Hampton is a community that very much values our public schools. As a current board member, I know that we constantly strive to improve our academic programming and vision, be innovative and current in our classrooms across all buildings, meet the learning needs of all our students and responsibly maintain our facilities, all while living within our means. This requires thoughtful leadership. I am committed to this community, willing and able to work collaboratively with our teachers, administrators, students and families for best outcomes.

Jason Hobbes

Age: 42

Political affiliation: Democrat, cross-filed

Education: Law degree

Occupation: Attorney

Residence: Hampton

Elected experience: None

Why I’m running: I am running to ensure that Hampton School District remains focused on providing high-quality education for our children.

Gregory Stein

Age: 74

Political affiliation: Republican, cross-filed

Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics, Pennsylvania State University Smeal College of Business, 1972; master’s in economics, Pennsylvania State University, 1974

Occupation: Retired from sales management and running a manufacturing company that made electro-mechanical switches for Navy ships and railroad locomotives

Residence: Hampton

Elected experience: Hampton Township School District since 2011

Why I’m running: I am running for reelection to allow me to continue working for a high quality education at a reasonable cost to the residents of Hampton Township. I believe all residents benefit from a very strong school system including strong and stable housing values. Providing opportunities for our children needs to remain a priority.

Larry Vasko

Age: 70

Political affiliation: Republican

Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Penn State University and a master’s in business administration from Duquesne University

Occupation: Retired CPA and registered investment adviser

Residence: Hampton

Elected experience: Hampton School Board for 24 years

Why I’m running: Besides providing an excellent education for our children, the district is also a business with a budget of over $65 million. Please let me continue to bring my financial expertise to the board. A few of my accomplishments are: advised on the timing of a bond refinancing which resulted in over $1 million of additional savings, voted against the second phase of the high school project because it included unnecessary renovations, successful in increasing tax relief for our low-income seniors and getting personal finance course added to the curriculum. I’m an Eagle Scout and volunteer in the community as a member of Hampton Rotary. Please vote for me so I can continue to improve on Hampton School District’s high educational standards while being fiscally responsible to the community.

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