Denise Kahler plans to use her years of teaching experience to aid the West Jefferson Hills School District as she serves as a member of the school board.

Kahler, of Jefferson Hills, was sworn in on Dec. 3 to a four-year term, along with incumbents Suzanne Downer, Jill Bertini, Brian Fernandes and Dave Dominick.

Kahler replaces four-year board member Kerri Gonot, who opted not to seek reelection this term.

“I’m hoping just to bring any experience that I can here to help my community and be part of a team,” she said.

Kahler has taught in the Elizabeth Forward School District for 24 years in special education, kindergarten and first grade. She is currently a gifted teacher.

At Elizabeth Forward, Kahler recently was inducted into the district’s Hall of Fame through the alumni association.

Her son, Ashton, is a freshman at TJ.

She serves as the chair of Zachary’s Mission, which helps support families of medically fragile children after losing her son, A.J., 11 years ago to a heart defect.

Kahler previously served as a union leader in Elizabeth Forward.

At the meeting, board members also reappointed Fernandes as board president, Downer as first vice president, and John Hosmer and second vice president.

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