Quaker Valley School Board candidates have proposed high school at top of mind
Editor’s note: Sewickley Herald is featuring candidate interviews in contested municipal and school board races only. Additional race previews will run in the Oct. 26 issue.
Quaker Valley School District residents may have a say in a proposed high school project and other measures as they decide who sits in several school board seats this November.
Region 1 race has Democratic incumbent Gianni Floro trying to stave off Republican challenger William Jasper, according to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list.
In Region 3, Jessica Webster and Melissa Walls will be on the Democratic ticket while John English and George Smith will represent Republicans in a race for two four-year seats.
Incumbents Marna Blackmer and Jeffrey Watters did not seek reelection.
In Region 2, seats are uncontested as incumbent Geoff Barnes and newcomer Corinna Garcia-Skorpenske will be on both the Republican and Democratic ballots for two four-year seats.
Incumbent Chesney Soderstrom did not seek reelection.
Here are the candidates and their responses to the election questions posed by the Sewickley Herald.
Region 1
Gianni Floro
Age: 51
Political party: Democrat
Education: Quaker Valley High School class of 1990, bachelor of science in biology from Duquesne University in 1994, master of science in environmental sciences and management from Duquesne University in 1996, Duquesne University Juris Doctor in 2000
Occupation: Attorney
Previous public office, if any: Quaker Valley School District director since 2001
What do you think should happen with the new high school and how would you handle it on the board? We need a new high school, it is long overdue. Within our budget, we have achieved maximum sustainability through building design. Our design professionals have delivered a cost-effective, efficient and well placed building, utilizing the natural features of the terrain, and addressing numerous issues such as storm water management and traffic. Through the input of community, teachers and students, we have developed a plan for a facility that will aptly serve generations to come.
William B. Jasper
Age: 78
Political party: Republican
Education: Bachelor’s degree in building information modeling, Master of Business Administration in international business
Occupation: Retired
Previous public office, if any: Six years as president/treasurer of an HOA
What do you think should happen with the new high school and how would you handle it on the board? Conduct the referendum promised five years ago. Let voters choose between the proposed high cost, high risk plan or the equally modern, lower cost redevelopment of the current site. There is no landslide insurance. If the Leet school winds up in someone’s living room, there will be no high school, no school district. Only financial ruin. People are hurting. They can’t pay our taxes. Esmark proves you can build in a flood plain.
Region 3
Jessica Webster
Age: 46
Political party: Democrat
Education: Doctorate in educational leadership
Occupation: Senior family engagement specialist
Previous public office, if any: None
What do you think should happen with the new high school and how would you handle it on the board? QV’s plan for the new high school has been well researched. It is a net positive for our community, increasing our property values and reflecting our community values for a strong public school. As a new director, I will be vigilant, ensuring we are prepared for potential changes in our economic landscape, consulting experts for emergency planning, and working towards the completion of a safe, fiscally responsible, future-ready building we can all be proud of.
Melissa (Missy) Walls
Age: 60
Political party: Democrat
Education: Bachelor of arts from Robert Morris University, Juris Doctor from Duquesne University Kline School of Law
Occupation: Former attorney, current family CEO
Previous public office, if any: None
What do you think should happen with the new high school and how would you handle it on the board? Years of planning, research and financial expenditures have been put into the plan for the new high school, and countless board meetings and public meetings have been held where the plans and studies have been openly discussed. Upon reaffirming my belief that the plans have been thoroughly vetted, I would want to move forward in a transparent, timely and fiscally responsible way, and not incur any unnecessary or increased costs with further delays.
John English
Age: 75
Political party: Republican
Education: Bachelor of arts in business administration
Occupation: Retired police chief, retired commander of the West Palm Beach Police Department after 27 years of service; retired police chief of Edgeworth Borough after 20 years of service
Previous public office, if any: Past president of The Pennsylvania Police Chief Association 2020 and 2021
What do you think should happen with the new high school and how would you handle it on the board? As member of the Quaker Valley School Board, I will work very hard to make sure that our high school is safe and that the citizens in Quaker Valley can afford it. I also believe that the voters have a right to vote on a referendum. I obviously will have my work cut out for me.
George (Bud) Smith
Age: 86
Political party: Republican
Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, master’s degree in management from MIT
Occupation: Recently retired professor of Business Administration at the University of Pittsburgh; prior senior executive in engineering businesses and the U.S. Navy
Previous public office, if any: None
What do you think should happen with the new high school and how would you handle it on the board? We need a new high school; but where? The hilltop lacks safe access, unstable soil, think Walmart, and would result in two campuses: the hilltop and Leetsdale’s athletic facilities. The enormous cost of building the hilltop is also of concern. I believe that QVSB should hire an engineering firm to assess expanding Leetsdale. Next, organize a referendum to vote on the hilltop versus expanding Leetsdale. Finally, implement whichever location our citizens decide upon.
An earlier version of this story stated Bud Smith’s age as 70. He is 86.
Michael DiVittorio is a TribLive reporter covering general news in Western Pennsylvania, with a penchant for festivals and food. He can be reached at mdivittorio@triblive.com.
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