Newcomers seek seats on Jeannette school board, as 2 incumbents wage write-in efforts

Two candidates will appear on the ballot for Jeannette City School Board during Tuesday’s primary while two others are hoping to keep their seats on the board via write-in votes.

Newcomer Felesha Beecher, 31, and incumbent Tim Mortimore, 52, are seeking two of four open seats on the board. Both cross-filed for the primary. Incumbents Timothy Carney, 35, and Mycal Jones, 41, missed the deadline to file their petitions and are running write-in campaigns to make it onto November’s ballot.

The open seats are four-year terms.

Director Marlene Busato is not running for reelection.

Beecher said she believes she has a lot to bring to the board as a former substitute teacher and private preschool operator in other states where she has lived. She hopes to use her experience as a foster child to focus on high-risk students and low-income families.

“I know it’s really easy for them to get kind of lost,” she said.

Beecher would put mental health and empathy at the forefront and create a safe environment that benefits all students, she said.

Carney, Jones and Mortimore are seeking their second terms on the board.

All three cited cyber/charter school costs as an issue they would continue to address. The district operates its own virtual academy, but the costs it pays for students who attend an outside cyber/charter school are high, they agreed.

Promoting the district’s academy could help, Jones said, describing it as better for the budget and at the top of his priority list.

“That’s probably one of our biggest hurdles right now,” Mortimore agreed.

Jones has had business cards printed for the director position and hands them out to families for their questions or concerns.

“I want parents to understand we’re in this together,” he said. “You should look at your teacher as a partner.”

Carney touted the lab that the district has created with the help of donations aimed at education in science, technology, engineering and math. He hopes to continue to develop curriculum in those fields to better prepare students for college or technical schools.

Mortimore said he hopes school days will be back to normal in the fall. Districts around the region have been grappling with switches between in-person and virtual learning all school year as the coronavirus pandemic wears on.

“It’s been a challenge for everybody,” he said.

City Council

Mayor Curtis Antoniak is unopposed for the Democratic nomination in his reelection bid. There is no Republican candidate.

Jacob Milliron is unopposed for the Republican nomination for city treasurer. There is no Democratic candidate.

Incumbent Nancy Peters is unopposed for the Democratic nomination for two open seats on city council. Incumbent Chuck Highlands and retired chief fiscal officer Michelle Langdon are seeking the Republican nominations.