Franklin Regional school board primary includes 10 candidates

Unlike the 2019 primary, when the Franklin Regional School District’s Sloan “elementary campus” project dominated much of the election discussion, the 10 candidates seeking open school board seats in 2021 cited a wide variety of reasons for running.

They range from emphasizing fiscal responsibility and maintaining the district’s reputation for academic excellence to younger parents with a desire to simply be more involved with the district.

All of the candidates are registered Republicans with the exception of incumbent Gregg Neavin, who is a registered Independent — however, as is typical for school board elections, all candidates are cross-filed with both major political parties.

Four-year seats

Eight of the candidates seek full four-year terms on the board.

“I believe our children and communities deserve board members who continue to set the bar higher and support our mission of excellence in all that we do,” said George App, 39, an accountant and finance worker for a local economic development nonprofit. “It’s also very important to me to be transparent and fiscally responsible to our taxpayers.”

Incumbent Mark Kozlosky, 46, said his priorities are promoting curriculum advancement to focus on critical thinking skills; focusing on career and life preparedness from college readiness to trade skills, arts and athletics; and giving teachers more tools to identify learning gaps or challenge students who have mastered a subject.

He also wanted students to find more ways to collaborate.

“Fostering an environment that focuses on fundamental education, meaningful collaboration with peers while they learn to share and defend their ideas with one another rather than eliminate the other person’s idea, will help prepare our students to thrive in the future,” said Kozlosky, a local pharmacist.

Michael Tutera, 43, has two children attending Sloan Elementary and said he wants to get “more involved in the community I love.”

“With 21 years of successful business leadership and strong negotiation skills, I feel I can bring practical solutions, with a level-headed mindset, to the issues,” said Tutera, vice president of a medical device company.

Financial adviser Mike Corcetti, 36, who has lived in the district for six years and has been involved with the wrestling program for more than a decade, said he wants to take an active part in “making sure children in Murrysville will continue having the best possible educational experience.”

“My goals are very simple, clear and concise,” Corcetti said. “Our decisions as a district are centered for our children and their families’ best interests, and these decisions are fiscally responsible for the district, community and taxpayers.”

Hillary McClain, 39, said she would advocate for students, programs and teachers, while working to be fiscally responsible to district taxpayers.

“If the primary focus is on a top-notch education, then not only will we be the district with the best buildings and programs, but will graduate students with the best chance at success,” said McClain, a faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. “It is not about what the buildings look like but what goes on inside them that matters.”

Incumbent Paul Scheinert, 70, a retired engineering manager, said he’s running to “continue supporting improvements in academic, arts and athletic programs at FR that better prepare all students for their post-secondary school endeavors.”

Traci Eshelman Ramey, 52, an educational technologist, had a similar goal, saying “exceptional education is the cornerstone of our community and future.”

Kevin Kurimsky, 45, has children at the elementary, middle-school and high-school levels, which he said gives him a unique perspective at the educational experience across the board.

“I feel it is time to give back and to serve this community and the school district that has provided me with so much throughout my lifetime,” said Kurimsky, a global-sales vice president at Transnetyx and a 1994 Franklin Regional graduate. “In my personal career, I have 20-plus years of experience handling multi-million dollar budgets focusing on fiscal integrity and efficiencies. Most importantly, I take pride in transparency.”

Two-year seat

Two of the 10 candidates want to complete the remaining term of former board member Gary English, who resigned in October 2020.

Incumbent Gregg Neavin, 66, aviation sales manager for a local manufacturer, said he hopes to bring his expertise as a longtime board member for two more years.

“On the near horizon, we are moving two elementary schools, negotiating two labor agreements and working to restore some degree of post-pandemic normalcy for our students and staff,” Neavin said. “I believe my knowledge and experience are needed during this critical transitional period.”

Diana Altieri Hand, 60, who is retired, said she wants to ensure students are given every opportunity to have the skills to be successful, no matter what they choose, with an eye toward fiscal responsibility.

“As a property owner on a fixed income, I understand the need to operate within the budget and not raise taxes while accomplishing this goal,” she said.

School board member Deb Wohlin did not file to run for re-election, nor did Jane Tower, who was temporarily appointed to fill English’s seat.

The primary is May 18.