7 candidates look to fill 4 Penn Hills School Board seats

Residents of the Penn Hills School District will see a busy race this November as seven candidates are vying to fill four open seats on the school board.

According to the Allegheny County Office of Elections’ official candidate list, incumbents Joseph Capozoli, Marisa Jamison and Evelyn Herbert, all originally cross-filed in the primary, will be featured on the Republican ballot. Newcomers Dawn Golden, Monica Colbert and Reginald Hickman will be featured on the Democrat ballot. Incumbent Nicole Richardson will be featured on both tickets.

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

Joseph B. Capozoli

Age: 71

Political party: Republican ticket, registered Democrat, endorsed by Penn Hills Republican Committee

Education: Associate degree, accounting

Occupation: Retired state auditor

Community involvement/volunteer work: Penn Hills Zoning Board member since 2000, Penn Hills School Board member six years

Years residing in district: About 30 years

What is the biggest issue facing Penn Hills School District, and how do you plan to address it?

One of the biggest challenges facing the Penn Hills School District is ensuring that every student leaves our school prepared for success, whether that means college, trade or entering the workforce. While many districts have struggled with safety and stability, Penn Hills has made tremendous progress by putting strong measures in place. We have dedicated, well-trained security officers, state-of-the-art scanning devices to detect weapons, vape devices and cellphones, and a clear focus on maintaining a safe, respectful learning environment. Roughly half of our students go to college, we have also made it a priority to support those who choose other pathways. We must continue to strengthen partnerships with local unions and employers to expose students to trades such as plumbing, carpentry and electrical work. We must expose students to job sites, job readiness programs and help them meet the qualifications necessary for apprenticeships or direct employment. Looking forward, my focus will be on continuing to build partnerships between our school, families and community organizations to expand opportunities for all students. This includes increasing access to dual enrollment, career education and paid internships that connect learning to the real-world experience.

What should voters know about you?

I have been deeply committed to the Penn Hills community for many years. I have served on the Penn Hills Zoning Hearing Board for 25 years, where I continue to work to make responsible decisions that balance growth (and) neighborhood integrity. For the past six years, I have had the privilege of serving on the Penn Hills School Board, where I’ve focused on improving student outcomes, maintaining fiscal responsibility, strengthening school safety and educational opportunities. In the past, I have served as president of the Penn Hills Ice Hockey Association, where I’ve seen the positive impact extracurricular programs have on our students — building teamwork, discipline and community pride. My approach to leadership is collaborative and focused on doing what is best for our students anf families. I care very much about Penn Hills and want to continue building a district that provides all students with the opportunity to succeed academically, sociality and personally.

Monica Colbert

Age: 52

Political party: Democrat

Education: B.S., chemistry, University of Pittsburgh; M.A., American studies, Fairfield University

Occupation: Associate director at the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion at Carnegie Mellon University

Community involvement/volunteer work: I’ve been a volunteer member of the Penn Hills Democratic Committee (also referred to as the local “Penn Hills Dems”) since retuning back home to Pittsburgh in 2020. Our service is supporting Democratic candidates at the local, county, state and national levels, encouraging increased voter participation and awareness of issues and representation in the community. I also support Jamar Place of Peace, an organization dedicated to disrupting the cycle of gun violence affecting Penn Hills and surrounding communities and which positively impacts the community with food and clothing donations, among other things, which operates out of St. James Church in Penn Hills.

Years residing in district: Five

What is the biggest issue facing Penn Hills School District, and how do you plan to address it?

One key priority is raising the district’s ranking and overall performance. It’s essential that we’re competitive to afford our graduates opportunities in any arena they choose — whether that be enlisting, enrolling or entering the workforce. Preparation must be integrated into the curriculum of every grade level. To achieve this requires we enforce a rigorous curriculum centering on strong proficiency in reading, math and critical thinking, and that we work with community and city organizations to increase exposure and experiential learning in the industries students will enter into. It also means partnering closely with families to ensure students are consistently engaged — addressing issues like chronic absenteeism, well-being and academic accountability. And a critical factor in achieving this goal is the board’s responsible stewardship of the budget to ensure that teachers are equipped with academic and industry relevant resources and professional support they need to be effective in the classroom.

What should voters know about you?

That I care.

Dawn Golden

Age: 54

Political party: Democrat

Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminology, master’s degree in school counseling, doctorate degree in educational leadership

Occupation: Assistant superintendent of student support services, Pittsburgh Public School District

Community involvement/volunteer work: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., officer; National Pan Hellenic Council (NPHC), representative; Mad Dad Mom’s Division member; Elite Corvettes of Pittsburgh, member; Penn Hills girls basketball booster parent

Years residing in district/municipality: Did not answer

What is the biggest issue facing Penn Hills School District, and how do you plan to address it?

There is a noticeable lack of leadership around the academic achievement of students in the district and, more importantly, an even greater achievement gap around marginalized groups of students. As the educational needs of our students evolve, school districts require leadership who can provide meaningful change. The school district has consistently prioritized compliance matters, specifically around cellphones, and lacks the same care and concern when it comes to instructional excellence and engaging families. The lack of focus on academic achievement has contributed to fragmented efforts in improving student outcomes as well as building authentic relationships and connections with families. As a current educator in a leadership role, it is imperative that leadership establish clear, measurable goals and expectations around student achievement. As a member of the school board, one of my goals would be to outline concrete and evidence-based targets along with shared accountability to make sure the students of the Penn Hills School District are not only achieving but prepared for the next phase of their lives and that parents are engaged as thought partners in their child(ren’s) educational success. I will also support the teaching staff by ensuring they have the necessary resources to support the varying needs of our student population.

What should voters know about you?

Voters should know that I am an educator of over 25 years and bring a wealth of experience to the role. I am a past school counselor, high school assistant principal, middle school principal, director of student services and assistant superintendent of student support services and special education. Each of these roles has afforded me the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of the needs, challenges and barriers of students and families. I will bring both experience and integrity necessary to restore confidence and trust in Penn Hills School District families and strengthen outcomes for all learners. My approach will emphasize transparency, collaboration and an emphasis on remaining fiscally responsible. Voters should also know that my advocacy for students and parents is a part of my passion and purpose and the reason why I became an educator. All students should have access to a quality education that readies them for the next phase of their life, understanding not every student will go to college. Families should be engaged in the education of their children and feel confident working alongside their children’s educators.

Evelyn Herbert

Age: 63

Political party: Republican ticket, registered Democrat

Education: Bachelor’s degree in public administration from University of Pittsburgh

Occupation: Executive assistant

Community involvement/volunteer work: Did not answer

Years residing in district/municipality: 36

What is the biggest issue facing Penn Hills School District, and how do you plan to address it?

Since I’ve been on the board, we have turned the school district around. We have a surplus, our grades have improved, our discipline has gone down and we are moving this district in the right direction.

What should voters know about you?

I’ve worked tirelessly for the past eight years for the people of this district. I have and will continue to go above and beyond to improve the educational quality for our district.

Reginald Hickman

Age: 51

Political party: Democrat

Education: Bachelor’s degree in history and master’s degree in teaching from University of Pittsburgh; doctorate in curriculum and instruction from IUP

Occupation: Educator

Community involvement/volunteer work: I’ve participated in several local causes, but I do not belong to any particular organization.

Years residing in district/municipality: Two

What is the biggest issue facing Penn Hills School District, and how do you plan to address it?

Academic excellence and achievement is always the biggest and most pressing issue. Academics always have to be at the center of what we do. Budget, personnel and policy decisions must always come back to what is best for students’ personal, social and academic growth and development. To that end, school board directors have to empower and enable all school employees to do what is in the best interests of students. As we provide school personnel with support, we must also be aware we are stewards of the public’s finances and trust and act accordingly.

What should voters know about you? Did not answer

Marisa Jamison

Age: 55

Political party: Republican ticket, registered Democrat

Education: Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Occupation: Blended service coordinator supervisor at UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital in Pittsburgh; part-time clinician at Mercy Behavioral Health

Community involvement/volunteer work: Did not answer

Years residing in district/municipality: 24

What is the biggest issue facing Penn Hills School District, and how do you plan to address it?

Mental health services for our children is one of the most important issues that needs to continue being addressed. Struggling with mental health issues can be a major barrier for children to learn and to be successful in their education. Children understanding the importance of coping skills and how to use coping skills is important within their everyday lives.

What should voters know about you?

I have over 30 years of mental health experience working with children and adults. I am committed to the learning and education of the students in our district.

Nicole Richardson

Age: 47

Political party: Cross-filed, registered Democrat

Education: MBA

Occupation: Head of school

Years residing in district: I was a resident since 1996 to 2002, once I returned back from Atlanta, Ga., I returned to Penn Hills in 2017

What is the biggest issue facing Penn Hills School District, and how do you plan to address it?

One of the challenges Penn Hills continues to face is the ever-increasing cost of education. While investing in our district’s curriculum, facilities and faculty has required careful financial planning, those investments have paid off. We are proud to see student achievement steadily rising, with test scores increasing for not just one, but two consecutive years. This growth clearly shows that our commitment to providing a high-quality education for all Penn Hills students is working. At the same time, we recognize the importance of being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. Even as we emerge from financial recovery, we remain diligent in monitoring our spending, developing long-term financial strategies and ensuring that funds are available to continue improving our schools and supporting our students. A critical part of strengthening our district’s future lies in building a strong tax base by attracting new families to the community. As we continue to enhance academic programs, upgrade facilities and create a welcoming, student-centered environment, we are making Penn Hills School District a place where young families want to live — and where they are proud to send their children.

What should voters know about you?

Voters should know that I’m not just a school board director — I’m also a mother and a proud Penn Hills parent with children in each of our district’s buildings. My perspective as both a parent and a leader allows me to see our schools through multiple lenses. I work collaboratively with my fellow board members to make thoughtful, and sometimes difficult, decisions that prioritize what’s best for our students. I also believe in asking the hard questions — because our goal must always be to move our students forward, ensuring that every child in Penn Hills is academically prepared for success in college, career and life.