8 candidates running for 4 spots on the ballot for Chartiers Valley school board director

Editor’s note: Signal Item is only spotlighting contested races in the primary election. Other race previews will run in future issues.

In Chartiers Valley School District, eight candidates are competing for four spots on the November ballot for school board director.

All candidates are cross-filed on both tickets, with the exception Raja Hamid Nawaz Khan, who is only on the Democrat ticket according to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list.

Here are the candidates and their responses to election questions posed by the Signal Item:

Jennie Brown

Why did you decide to run for election?To ensure that children and students receive an education that is comprised of our nation’s incredible history, and that the curriculum is rich in context and preserves America’s founding. As a school board director, I will ensure that science encompasses a well-rounded understanding of the environment’s cycles and that the curriculum is based on factual evidence. Contrary perspectives regarding scientific findings that are presented will aid the child to further conclude their own scientific findings. Focusing only on global warming and no other scientific facts must be prohibited.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? I support school choice. I support girls’ sports being exclusive to biological females. Restrooms, changing rooms, locker rooms and all privacy areas must be based on biological sex. I support parental consent in sex education and gender identity theory, requiring a signed permission slip.

I do not support critical race theory, nor that the country was founded on the basis of preserving slavery. This information is false and if the Department of Education mandates Critical Race Theory and 1619 project, then the original teachings about America’s founding must be taught as well. This will allow the student/child the opportunity to think critically on the information presented. The student must have the opportunity to answer according to the knowledge that America knows to be fact.

What should voters know about you?I owned a private school for 10 years (from 2008-2017) governed by five agencies: Department of Health, DPW, NAYCE, STARS and Department of Education. This allowed me the opportunity to work directly with agencies and to incorporate their policies into the curriculum and programming.

As a business owner of three businesses, I understand budget and finance. My conservative voice on the school board will benefit the community greatly. The people have the authority to shape policies in the community. Returning to the Constitution and ensuring that communities are open, healthy, vibrant and prosperous is vital to a strong America. I will be a pro-America voice on the school board. I will hear from constituents and I will represent them and deliver for the communities.

Chad Dinco

Why did you decide to run for election?As a CPA, I was taught that our profession should give back to the community, because oftentimes we have a tremendous understanding of big picture financial numbers. I have always looked for the right opportunities to pass some of my knowledge along to various organizations. I also have two kids in the school district and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to give back, and look after my kids’ best interests.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? To be honest, I’m not sure what to expect. I’m looking to walk into this experience with a fresh perspective.

What should voters know about you?I’ve lived in Collier Township for the past 13 years, I have two kids in the school district. I’m looking to give back to my community and to help make sure these kids are provided with a great opportunity to succeed in the future.

Raja Hamid Nawaz Khan

Why did you decide to run for election?I have been living in the same school district for the past 12 years, now my kids are also going to this school district. I just wanted to give back to my community, as education is the most important factor being considered in society, so I wanted to raise the standard of our school district within my range of limitation and be the part of that group which influences our education system.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The future is all based on technology. Artificial intelligence will lead most of the future institutions, so I would say boosting education with tech would be a big factor to consider. Also, use of technology will fill in the gaps among teachers to parents and students. I am promotor of more benefits to give to teachers as they are the backbone of our future generation in terms of our students. Being a sportsman, I wanted to improve our sports in this school district.

What should voters know about you?I am an IT Consultant, having my MSCIS from Michigan, I have my other masters in agriculture. I am working in the healthcare industry. I play cricket for the Pittsburgh Cricket Association. I am married to a gorgeous lady who is a doctor in profession. I have two daughters and one son. I will definitely bring improvement to our school district and spare more time for their education system and sports. I believe in myself and want you all to support me so that we can build a solid foundation of trust for the betterment of our community and society.

Mitchell S. Montani Jr.

Why did you decide to run for election?To help bring a new perspective to the school board. I’m 23 years old, was a college student less than a year ago, and was a high school student less than five years ago. As somebody who is currently living through it, I think I have a unique understanding of what students need, and how they can be prepared for the early stages of adulthood. It’s important to have a variety of voices on a nine-member board, which makes such crucial decisions.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? I want to make sure that students know of all the different options that are out in front of them. The world needs programmers, engineers and business people to lead us into the future. It needs carpenters, mechanics and electricians to build the future. It needs doctors, nurses and police officers to keep us healthy and safe. These are all careers that provide good pay if somebody is willing to work hard. Not all of them require a college degree. We should be allowing for students to find their passion in these important fields.

What should voters know about you?I think politics are built from the ground up. We need to elect local leaders who care about the people they represent and are transparent about their decision-making. I loved my experience at Chartiers Valley, and I’ve lived in the district my entire life. This inspires me to help improve it for future generations. I have an open mind on many issues and enjoy listening to everybody’s opinion. I also want to get people more engaged with local politics. Voters have a much greater impact on the outcome, and can truly make a difference in their communities.

Herb Ohliger

Why did you decide to run for election? Our schools rest at the heart of our community and serving on the school board is an opportunity to give back to our neighbors and the students. Many of us moved here for the schools and the community and as such our children deserve the best education possible. My unique set of skills and experiences would bolster our board and support the district teachers, students, and families.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Our children are our greatest asset and we need to continue to help each student reach their potential and prepare them to compete in a global marketplace, whether they choose to continue their education in college, vocational school, enter the workforce or join the armed services. Chartiers Valley has a rich history of supporting the arts and this must continue. We also need to provide the students with the tools to succeed in their chosen endeavor while being fiscally responsible to our constituents. I believe in the power of education and lifelong learning. I like a quote from Sydney Harris that says, “The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.”

What should voters know about you?I am a lifelong resident of the Chartiers Valley School District where I reside with my wife Danielle, son Herb and daughter Sarah. I have over 35 years in information technology services with a concentration in biometric technology, quality assurance and cybersecurity working as an IBM business partner, and a consultant to the Department of Defense and Federal Law Enforcement. I am a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh with degrees in psychology and information science. I have been involved in the local community as a member of the Rotary and Bridgeville Chamber of Commerce. Served as a board member of the Scott Conservancy, Scott Township Board of Commissioners, the Chartiers Valley School Board and have been a sponsor for the Chartiers Valley Soccer Association, president and a sponsor for the Scott Township Athletic Association and served as treasurer of several non-profits and Scott Township Police Pension Board.

Megan Sexton

Why did you decide to run for election? I am running for the Chartiers Valley School Board because I want to serve and support the district. Being a teacher in the Pittsburgh Public School District as well as having my own children enrolled in the district, I feel I have a unique perspective and experience to offer to the community.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?I would like to help the district create and establish valuable, actionable data so that teachers can individualize instruction and provide targeted assistance for students, academically, socially and emotionally to teach the whole child.

What should voters know about you?I have lived in the Chartiers Valley District for 16 years and currently have three children, ages 15 and 13 (twins), as well as a niece and nephew, enrolled in the district. I have been a first grade teacher in the Pittsburgh Public Schools for 18 years and have been at various schools across the city. I am passionate about quality education and equity for all students and I look forward to this opportunity.

Julie Steele

Why did you decide to run for Chartiers Valley school board election?

Because I have a vision to make our schools excel by getting back to the basics. I believe in growing and learning with the next generations, but to also keep the morals and values of our past generations.

What are the biggest issues that needs to be addressed in our schools?Our students need to be knowledgeable about real-world issues so that they can be better prepared for real-world situations. By bringing back the basics of home economics, responsible shopping, time management, economics, balancing a checkbook, bill paying, saving money, the meaning of a credit score, budgeting, driver’s education, including vehicle maintenance, changing a tire, using jumper cables, refilling fluids and buying a vehicle. Back to basics also includes respecting each other, respecting authority and complying with rules, laws and ordinances. These are steps that our students can take towards being independent young adults.

What should voters know about you?I am a Christian. I am married and a mom of a big blended family of six and a young grandma of three grandkids. I believe in Jesus Christ as my savior, our American history and constitution, and reinforcing the importance of education to our students and their future.

Lisa Trainor

Why did you decide to run for election?After retiring, I wanted to move on to the next chapter of commitment to education in Chartiers Valley.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?After such a challenging last year or so, people need to feel connected again and they need to know that their voices are being heard when they express their needs and concerns for their children’s education. Recognizing what people have been through and how we can best help students, parents and teachers move forward successfully is perhaps the biggest issue right now.

What should voters know about you?I bring to the school board a unique perspective that has been shaped through 28 years of listening to and learning from students and their families as a teacher and coach in Chartiers Valley. Also, as a mother of three (two CV graduates and one current middle school student) and a retiree, I can appreciate the concerns of a variety of stakeholders and how school board decisions impact their lives. Many decisions look good on paper, but it takes knowing how it will all work in reality to fully achieve educational success.