Editor’s note: The Signal Item is publishing primary election previews with candidate interviews for contested races only. Candidates for Bridgeville Council, Collier commissioners and Scott commissioners have no opposition in the primary, according to Allegheny County Election Bureau information.

In the race for Chartiers Valley School Board, eight candidates are running for spots on the November ballot for five open seats, all four-year terms. Each candidate is cross-filed in the primary, listed as Democrat and Republican.

The following are responses provided by the candidates.

Ed Brosky

Municipality: Scott

• Why did you decide to run for election? I see our school district struggling to make ends meet, and our community has endured five years of tax increases with little return on investment. Teachers’ compensation package is greater than $150K a year while students struggle to learn. Time to get back to basics, and demand a better return on our investment and better educational opportunities for the students.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Holding accountable those who do not believe our financial situation is impacting our community. Demanding a better return on our investment and preparing the students to compete in a global market.

• Why should people vote for you? I’m a hard worker, willing to listen to all sides, but believe our financial situation requires difficult decisions. I support all our student athletes and believe a lot is learned from such participation.

Kate Drury

Municipality: Scott

• Why did you decide to run for election? Our district is broke; not broken, but broke. This news shocked me and prompted me to run for School Board Director. We need fiscal responsibility now, and I want to help run the school district within our budget just as I do with my household. I don’t have the luxury of raising my household income by taking money from my neighbors; the school district shouldn’t, either. Our seniors cannot afford a tax increase. My mother-in-law, who is retired, also lives in the district, so I understand what our seniors are up against.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? It’s time to right this ship and stop CV from financial ruin. There is no reason for this district to be lacking in resources other than mismanagement.

• Why should people vote for you? I will help to ensure the fiscal responsibility of our district. I’m just a mom of three who wants the best for CV students, teachers and taxpayers. A balanced budget, happy teachers and educated students: it’s all possible with a little common sense. I am asking for your vote.

Louise F. Huehn

Municipality: Collier

• Why did you decide to run for election? As an alumna of CV, I want to bring transparency to the residents of the current financial difficulties facing the CV School District and ensure reasonable solutions are put in place for a long-lasting, stable future. These decisions should not only benefit students but also the taxpayers, including our most vulnerable senior population living on a fixed income.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The pursuit of a financially strong district is the biggest issue, without question. The trunk of the tree must be solid to support growing and fruitful branches, as my Aunt used to preach. Only this will produce young adults who are able to successfully navigate an ever-competitive and challenging world.

• Why should people vote for you? My financial analysis, business and corporate trainer background will serve me in making these important policy decisions. Studying business at Carlow College while raising three kids followed by nine years as Councilwoman in Carnegie and 20-plus years as a PIAA Soccer Official are evidence of my drive, energy and passion for the community, and especially our precious youth.

Robert Kearney

Municipality: Scott

• Why did you decide to run for election? As a sitting board member I want to continue to work on the goals we have set for the district: academic excellence, student safety and fiscal responsibility.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Maintaining a balanced budget that the communities of Chartiers Valley can afford.

• Why should people vote for you? My record of collaboration across party lines, I look to bridge communication for the benefit of the students to assure they have the programs they need. I am an active listener.

Darren G. Mariano

Municipality: Collier

• Why did you decide to run for election? I have a vested interest in the success of our schools, as I have two children that currently attend Chartiers Valley School District. My experience as a teacher/professor, and community leader, has helped build consensus in times of uncertainly. Being on the school board is a great way for me to give back to our CV community.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Maintaining fiscal responsibility to ensure our district remains on firm financial footing is paramount. Managing resources while increasing student achievement and providing enrichment opportunities that posture our students to compete in today’s society should be our primary focus. Our children are our greatest asset, and we must educate them one child at a time.

• Why should people vote for you? I promise to put students first and pursue financial policies which provide an outstanding return on our community’s investment. Schools should provide a variety of pathways for our students, preparing them for the future whether they choose college, military service, vocational school or entering the workforce. Education today is a lifelong process, and Chartiers Valley students and graduates deserve the very best.

Sonja P. Svihla

Municipality: Scott

• Why did you decide to run for election? I am grateful for the school district with the education and life experiences our daughters gained through CV over the last 20 years. It would be an honor for me to serve the community and contribute to ensure those valuable opportunities continue to grow for current and future students.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Improving the communication between the board, the administration, teachers and families with increased transparency of policies and operations, so that we can all align on the strategies to optimize the quality of the education and the overall experience of our students on their journey from kindergarten through high school.

• Why should people vote for you? Having resided in CV for 23 years, we know and value the strength of the community. As an engineer, I’ve worked on capital improvement projects involving multiple consulting firms and contractors, and believe that my experience will be an asset to the district on current and future improvement projects.

Priscilla Tarr

Municipality: Heidelberg

• Why did you decide to run for election? The Chartiers Valley School Board voted to raise our school taxes the last five years in a row. The tax payers cannot afford to continue to pay increasing property taxes every year. The School District needs to reevaluate their budget process and tighten their belt. We need to make sure the children in Chartiers Valley have strong reading, writing and math skills, preparing them for the realities of the working world. These are my priorities.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The school district had a $35 million surplus a few years ago. We are now $90 million in debt. To ensure the students get the very best education to prepare them for the workforce, we need to get back to a surplus.

• Why should people vote for you? Because of the priorities set forth above. I will follow through with my campaign promises of fiscal responsibilities and a quality education for all children.

Jeff Choura

Municipality: Scott

A response was not received. According to the school district website, he has served on the school board for more than 40, and he also serves on the board of directors for Parkway West Career and Technology Center

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