Plum school board has 12 cross-filed candidates seeking ballot nods

Editor’s note: The Advance Leader is only spotlighting contested races in the primary election.

Plum residents have a plethora of candidates seeking both the Democratic and Republican nod for four school board seats this year.

A dozen hopefuls, including two incumbents, have cross-filed for the May 18 primary election, according to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list.

Current board members are Angela Anderson and Joe Tommarello. Other candidates include Devin Adams, Megan Chuderewicz, Sheleah Fronckowiak, Justin Newman, Mandee Pettyjohn, Don Pytel, Raymond Rall, Renee Richardson, Melissa Russell and Ronald Sakolsky.

Here are the candidates and their responses to election questions posed by the Tribune-Review.

Devin Adams

• Why did you decide to run for election?

“Though I am not originally from the area, I take great pride in being a citizen of Plum. The sense of belonging I have experienced since becoming a member of this borough is unmatched, and I feel called to lean on my personal and professional experiences to contribute to a community I have come to love.

“Furthermore, I am confident that my status as a Coast Guard Academy graduate, active duty veteran, MBA graduate from the University of Pittsburgh, and professional experience in the financial industry — in the areas of crisis management, cyber security, and project management — provide me a formidable foundation which would enable me to contribute positively to the Plum School Board.”

• What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

“I acknowledge the many ongoing critical topics and issues in our country which impact our nation’s school districts — ours being no exception. As I campaign, I am happy to discuss my thoughts on those issues with voters, as everyone views different items with different priorities.

That being said, one of the most pressing issues locally continues to be the challenge of providing every meaningful opportunity for growth and development to our students, while simultaneously considering the interests and limitations of our borough’s taxpayers. To strike this balance of funding all essential programs without overburdening residents, it will take dialogue from all involved stakeholders. It will require a fresh look at our district’s budget, considerations of potentially wasteful initiatives, as well as insight into what our students most need. If elected, I eagerly look forward to facilitating discussions with diverse viewpoints and input to find optimal solutions.”

• What should voters know about you?

“The citizens of Plum should know that I take this endeavor with the utmost seriousness. The future of our country depends on our future generations’ development, and that begins at the local level. As with anyone, there are principles on which I will not bend. More importantly, however, I am unapologetically a proud American and citizen of Plum. I deem it critical to find common ground even with those with whom I disagree in this role, as our school leaders, faculties and students expect and deserve nothing less than that. Thank you for your consideration.”

Angela Anderson

• Why did you decide to run for election?

“Serving on the Plum School Board for the last three years has been both an honor and a privilege. We have made significant improvements in the areas of academics, finances and facility management. I would be honored to serve on the board again and continue the work that we have begun.”

• What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

“As a district we need to continue to support our students, challenge them in the classroom and empower them for academic success so that upon graduation they are prepared to flourish in their career and college endeavors.”

• What should voters know about you?

My husband, my three school-age children and I are deeply involved in the Plum community. As a school director, I am passionate about providing each of our students with the best possible experience while maintaining fiscal responsibility for the taxpayers within the district.”

Megan Chuderewicz

• Why did you decide to run for election?

“When my fiancé, Justin, and I decided to make Plum our home, I felt the strong desire to serve the community in which we live. I believe my diverse background in business, mental health and education would make me an asset to the board.”

• What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

From speaking with residents, I think the biggest issues that need to be addressed are transparency, taxes and nepotism.”

• What should voters know about you?

I will be a champion for all members of the community. Since I am a relatively new resident, I truly can evaluate and vote on initiatives from an unbiased viewpoint.”

Sheleah Fronckowiak

• Why did you decide to run for election?

“I chose to run because I believe we need board members who want the best for the entirety of the district. Our kids deserve the best education we can give them, they are our future. As a board member, you’re a representative of the community. I am a Plum tax payer and parent of students in the district. Every decision made by the board impacts my family directly, I want to be part of those decisions.”

• What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

“The community is incredibly concerned about a half-day vs. full-day kindergarten option. I’d love to see full-day kindergarten come back, if it’s financially feasible. That is hopefully something we will know before November. More course options for our high schoolers. I’ve heard many parents’ concerns about the lack of course options or scheduling issues with getting the classes the students would like. I’d also like to see more openness about the options with trades. Some students will thrive at college, others may want to know what is out there in regards to trade training.”

• What should voters know about you?

“I’m a mother of three, veteran spouse and have been involved in our schools and community since moving here from San Antonio, Texas. I want what is best for all students and tax payers in the district, and believe I would be a great representative for the community.”

Justin Newman

• Why did you decide to run for election?

“My reasons are two-fold. One, no one on the school board looks like me and that’s not OK. I think the school board should be as diverse as our community. I want to be a voice for the voiceless, the voiceless being the 6% people of color in Plum. The second reason is I have a huge stake in the future of the educational choices with having two students in the district for the next decade, so these decisions matter.

“As an employee in higher education at Pitt who sits on the diversity, equity and inclusion committee, I understand the importance of education and the impact it has on higher education. I know the steps needed to prepare students for the next step in their educational journey. I also understand the importance of having a diverse group of voices at the table and the amazing impact it can have.”

• What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

“The biggest issue to me is the lack of diversity, and that needs to be addressed on multiple fronts. Based on my knowledge and passion for the subject, I feel that I am the right person to handle this sensitive issue with tact and experience as my credibility. “

• What should voters know about you?

“I am taking on this challenge and leading by example to show my children to fight for what you believe in, and to make a difference by positively impacting as many lives as you can. I am very passionate about things I believe in, and I believe I can make a difference in this community. I am the co-founder of Barbecue Chicken University, which is a free sports program for area youth. We are in the process of becoming a recognized nonprofit.”

Mandee Pettyjohn

• Why did you decide to run for election?

“I have long searched for a way to contribute to my community. Serving on the Plum School Board presents me with a unique opportunity to share my abilities and desire to give back in a meaningful way. I would get tremendous satisfaction being on a team that has such a profound impact on the community and students of Plum.”

• What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

“The loss of full-day kindergarten is one of the biggest issues that needs to be addressed. I support the return of a full-day kindergarten program with fiscal accountability. The challenges the district faces include building limitations and the impact on taxpayers.

“Another area of interest to me is the career readiness and life skills curriculum. I would like to see a more robust curriculum relevant to today’s job market; including entrepreneurship, personal finances and critical thinking. Regardless of a student’s chosen future path these skills would benefit the development of the whole student.”

• What should voters know about you?

“I have lived in Plum with my family for almost 20 years. I am a mom of a 10th grader and seventh grader in the district. I earned a bachelor of science in accounting and a master of business administration, both from Robert Morris University. I work as a finance professional for a Fortune 100 company supporting the business in annual budgeting and forecasting of operating expenses.

“My professional experience requires the ability to build diverse relationships and support complex decisions with an open mind while maintaining fiscal responsibility. I pride myself as being a logical and critical thinker. I believe the well-being, academic excellence and career readiness of our students comes first.”

Don Pytel

• Why did you decide to run for election?

“After many interactions with the various board members and participating in the schools board meetings, I felt we could do better as a community representing our children and the district. I decided to dedicate my time and knowledge to lead the way in improving our school board. I want what’s right for our children, and I am willing to put my credibility on the line to do so.

“Aside from my initial goals, I aspire to take on whatever challenges we face in the future and continue to search for more ways to improve our district. Let’s get the community involved, raise expectations and create a solid direction forward, perfect for our community.

“Plum is a group of hard working citizens who wish to raise our brilliant-minded children in a peaceful environment. Let’s focus on improved education without strict government control of our schools and curriculum.”

• What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

“School board directors can have an incredible impact on their community. I would like to improve the communication between the school board and the district they represent. We need to bring the important decisions the board makes to light for the community to review.

“I hope to inspire other great parents and members of the community to become more active in the discussion about the decisions being made by the board for Plum. No question should go unanswered.

“Currently we have many politically driven members participating in the board. When citizens do get a chance to question the board, it seems most go unanswered. Many board members’ true intentions and guidance comes from their respecting political parties, not the community.

“It is not a badge of honor or a popularity contest, it’s a job. We need people that are willing to represent the community not their own personal agenda.”

• What should voters know about you?

“I am a focused, independent candidate determined to raise the expectations in this district.

“I’m originally from the Penn-Trafford area and a lifetime Pennsylvanian. I have a 6-year-old daughter entering the district and a lovely wife who specializes in orthopedics. I’m certified by the state to work with children and a registered school volunteer. I am also a business owner with a flexible schedule, dedicated to making a positive impact on the community.

“I have extensive technical/computer qualifications. I am also considered to be an excellent leader in team and project management in my profession. I believe my problem-solving skills, contractual negotiation experience and other talents will greatly contribute to what our citizens need from the school board.”

Raymond Rall

• Why did you decide to run for election?

“I decided to run for school board because I want to make a difference. Education is my passion so when I think to myself, ‘Where can I make a difference?,’ I think of education. I teach at a school for students who have dropped out of high school. Many of these students have some rough backgrounds and circumstances, but they have made a choice that education is important.

“In many cases, they tried the real world and realized the real world is tough without a proper education. This has strengthened my passion for education. I have a master’s degree in education, have worked in schools for the past 10 years and have been a presenter at the National Dropout Prevention conference, and feel I can use all of these experiences to make an impact on the students of Plum, including my four children.”

• What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

“Psychologist and education reformer John Dewey said, ‘If we teach today as we taught yesterday we rob our children on tomorrow.’ We need to constantly be innovating with the way we teach and the resources we provide our students so that they can be successful in the changing world we send them out into. I believe we could do more for struggling populations to ensure that all students succeed and would like to use my experience as a teacher and safety and security coordinator to make Plum a better and safer place for children to go to school.

“The most talked about issue in our community is going back to full-day kindergarten. I would like to see us come up with a plan that gets full-day kindergarten back, without large tax increases. My other main goal is to help build better communication channels between the school board and the public.”

• What should voters know about you?

“I am the type of person that dives fully into anything that I become involved with. I have dedicated my life to education and trying to help students attain their goals. I am involved in the community volunteering as a coach for Plum Borough Baseball and work with at-risk students for a living. I believe that school should be a safe place for every student and would work toward that goal if elected to school board.

“I hold several PEMA and FEMA certifications, primarily in school safety planning and am also a certified ALICE (Active-shooter training) instructor and Handle with Care (behavioral and non-violent intervention) instructor. I helped bring ALICE to the Plum School District by providing training through the school I work at to the Plum officers. Plum is a great community and a great school district that I would like to be a part of moving it forward.”

Renee Richardson

• Why did you decide to run for election?

“I am passionate about taking an active role and making a positive impact in my community. There is a gap in diversity on our school board when it comes to the representation of minorities in our community. I would like to fill that gap. My husband and I have a personal interest in the school system as we have three boys in the district that are impacted by the decisions and actions of the school board.

“I am here for all of the students. I want all students to be taught in an equitable environment in which they thrive. To do that, we also have to listen to their needs, the needs of our educators, and the needs of our community. I am looking forward to doing just that and working with other members of the school board and administration to give our students the best learning environment.”

• What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

“The biggest concern that needs addressed is remaining diligent in keeping our schools safe. Safety is a constantly evolving area that needs attention. We will also have to close the gap on covid learning loss and the additional effects that covid has had on our students, faculty and staff. This requires but is not limited to addressing and providing resources on mental health, social and emotional support, individualized education plans and continual technology innovation.”

• What should voters know about you?

“I am a pharmacist with a 16-year career with a local, community grocery store chain pharmacy where I work as the senior manager of pharmacy training, education and community relations. I am deeply involved in many community and school-related activities. Most importantly, I am wife to Shawn, and a boy mom to three, handsome, smart, and loving boys in Plum School District. They all motivate me each and every day. My mission in life is to leave the world a little better than I found it. I look forward to meeting more members of the community and gaining their support.”

Melissa Russell

• Why did you decide to run for election?

“I believe that if you want great schools and value great schools, you have a responsibility to help in creating great schools. I ran for school board in 2015 and my passion for our community has only grown since that time. I feel that becoming a school board director is an act of service to the community and it would be an honor to represent fellow parents at this level.”

• What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

“Mental health and special education. I believe that the (district) has made many improvements over the past few years, and it is my goal to support and encourage the continued success. I am, however, most interested in strengthening mental health and special-education services within our district. Before learning can take place many of our students need easier access to the tools and support that will help them succeed. Obstacles need to be removed so that less time, money and energy are wasted, enabling all of Plum’s children to have equal access to the same education.”

• What should voters know about you?

“Politics have a place, but not in creating safe and thriving schools for our children. With 10 years experience as a special-education advocate, I have dedicated myself to serving and fighting for all children and refuse to be swayed by political pressure. I am a mother, and a taxpayer who understands the need for hardworking, and empathetic board members to represent our community.”

Ronald Sakolsky

• Why did you decide to run for election?

“After 27-plus years of teaching within our school district, I believe I can give back by utilizing my experience both as a teacher and 15-plus years of business experience prior to teaching, knowledge of students and the systems, and community awareness and involvement. I have shared with numerous colleagues my desire to be a board member for many years during my teaching tenure upon retiring.”

• What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

“​It is hard to pick just one, so issues needing addressed include: full-/half-day kindergarten, diversity and cultural understandings focusing on similarities and not differences, raising the importance of social studies for our students and more importantly our future, being fiscally conscientious, and working through political labels.”

• What should voters know about you?

“(I’m) a 28-year Plum resident that bleeds purple and gold. I’m the guy many didn’t sit next to at football games because my students came to ‘say hello’ to show respect (and) also get extra-credit (because) it showed school spirit and respect, kept them off the street and out of trouble, and had fun. I’m the proud father of four children, all Plum grads, two athletic scholars and two athletic-average students, which demonstrates an understanding of students’ needs at all levels.

“Plum’s Cooperstown 12-under umpire and in-house for over 20 years, the ‘voice’ of Mustang Hockey. One of my proudest accomplishments was (being) the sponsor of Oblock Junior High’s Reach Out Club. I worked, mostly alone, with 225-plus students that coordinated disaster aid for families, Thanksgiving food drives, McDonald House Meals, largest Easter Egg hunt in the area while emphasizing community involvement, maturity, empathy, leadership skills and respect.”

Joe Tommarello

• Why did you decide to run for election?

“My community service started back in 2011. I first decided to run for school board when I was just an 18-year-old high school student. At the time, I wanted to bring a fresh student’s perspective to the board. My message was soundly approved since I then became one of the youngest elected officials in Pa. history. I have continued to serve on the board for numerous years.

“I am running for reelection because there is still work to be done. Since the pandemic started, I have been fighting for fair education in the form of a full five-days-in-school option for our students, which we now have achieved. As the current finance chairman, I am working diligently to ensure our taxpayers don’t face any tax increases and that our students don’t face any program cuts. I will always be a watchdog for our taxpayers.”

• What do you feel is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

“I believe the board still has some work to do with transparency and communicating better with our parents and stakeholders. Citizens have the right to know how we are spending their tax dollars, so the personnel agendas should be fully transparent. We also are working hard at bringing back full-day kindergarten for those who want it. I am a supporter of full-day kindergarten and believe it should be brought back. We can do so without having to raise taxes nor making any cuts, I believe.”

• What should voters know about you?

“I want voters to know that I love Plum. It is my hometown where I was born and raised, where I hope to start my family one day soon, and I wish to give back to the community that gave so much to me growing up. I am an ‘average Joe’ citizen just like you and I want to be your voice on the board. I take the time to listen with empathy and compassion to all who I speak with, and I will always do what I can to help. This year, running independently of either party, I have decided to ‘Put Plum Above Politics.’ I will not be beholden to political parties nor loyalty pacts, I will answer only to the Plum citizens, as I wish to be their voice. Politics has no place in our schools and I will put a stop to it.”