Seven candidates are vying for four seats on the Bethel Park School Board in the general election.

One of them, incumbent Christina Headley, won both the Democratic and Republication nominations in the primary.

Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

Karleen Bileck

Republican

Age: 43

Education: BA Hons in elementary education from the University of Greenwich, London; master of education in math and science curriculum K-8 from Slippery Rock University

Occupation: Elementary school teacher in neighboring district

Community involvement/volunteer work: Teaching CCD classes and helping organize running events for students participating in the Kids Marathon; coaching sports such as volleyball, basketball, weightlifting, soccer and speed and agility training; manager for the seventh- and eighth-grade teams at Independence Middle School and volunteer with the soccer booster program; passionate about promoting wellness among adults by organizing inclusive bootcamps designed for all fitness levels; dedicated time to supporting individuals with dementia and their caregivers by guiding them in creating glass and pottery pieces, providing both creative expression and connection.

Years residing in district: I have proudly called Bethel Park home for the past 21 years, having chosen to move here from London, England, because of the welcoming community and the outstanding school district.

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

Our students are capable of competing with the best – not just locally, but globally. I believe in fostering a learning environment that prepares students to be thoughtful, informed and productive citizens in an increasingly complex and connected world.

What are some of your ideas for a smooth transition among students, parents, educators and the community at large with regard to the opening of the new elementary center next year?

We have an incredible opportunity to create a more unified, inclusive and consistent curriculum across our district. I will advocate for curriculum development that reflects the diverse needs of all students while maintaining academic excellence.

I will work to improve communication between the administration, school board, teachers, staff and families to ensure a smooth and collaborative transition into our new elementary building. I support hosting open houses that include curriculum information sessions and student showcases. These events will give families the opportunity to engage with their child’s education and celebrate their achievements.

Buffie Faes

Democrat

Age: 54

Education: Bachelor of science in elementary education; master of education in special education

Occupation: Life skills teacher

Community involvement/volunteer work: Meals on Wheels, Special Olympics

Years residing in district: 48

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

Balancing new projects with keeping taxes reasonable means being open, careful and working together as a community. Here in Bethel Park, as we open a new school and update another, our focus is on investing in our children’s future while being mindful of taxpayers. We’ve made sure to budget carefully and look for state funding and grants before ever considering raising taxes. Over the past four years, we’ve kept residents informed at every public meeting about costs, timelines and benefits so everyone can see exactly where their money goes. By staying efficient and accountable, we can keep improving our schools, support great learning experiences, and continue providing strong services – without putting extra pressure on families.

What are some of your ideas for a smooth transition among students, parents, educators and the community at large with regard to the opening of the new elementary center next year?

As a lifelong Bethel Park resident and a sitting school director, a smooth transition to the new elementary center starts with honoring our past while building excitement for the future. I’d create opportunities for each former school to be remembered – such as a “Legacy Hall” displaying photos, mascots and memorabilia – so students and families feel their school stories live on. Transition events like family tours, “meet your new classmates” days and staff open houses would help ease anxiety and foster connection. Consistent communication from leadership about timelines, transportation and what to expect will reduce uncertainty. Most importantly, we should celebrate this change as a united Bethel Park community – one building, one shared purpose – to provide every child with the best possible start to their educational journey.

Eric Garland

Republican

Age: 42

Education: Computer programming and business management from CCAC

Occupation: Operator, e2 Lawn Services LLC

Community involvement/volunteer work: Boy Scout leader and merit badge counselor for 15 years; parishioner at Saint Catherine Laboure Roman Catholic Church

Years residing in district: 40

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

We would examine and budget new projects as well as maintain buildings and facilities to prevent costly repairs.

We would obtain government and private grants to expand programs such as the Steel Center, school activities and accredited programs, as well as working with nonprofit organizations to ensure students can reach their potential.

Audit and manage the budget to ensure public funds go to support educational goals.

What are some of your ideas for a smooth transition among students, parents, educators and the community at large with regard to the opening of the new elementary center next year?

To promote a smooth transition, we would plan community events and open houses to ensure everyone is informed. Explain the logistics of transportation and school safety procedures.

Communication between administrators, teachers, staff and parents is key to a successful education for students. We will take into account the opinions and ideas from the community and apply them where possible.

We look forward to a wonderful transition to the new elementary school.

Christina Headley

Cross-filed

Age: 45

Education: Registered nurse program, CCAC; Bachelor of Science in nursing, California University of Pennsylvania

Occupation: Occupational health nurse administrator

Community involvement/volunteer work: Currently serve on school board; Girl Scout leader, volunteer and CCD teacher at St. Valentine Church (OLH Parish); Independence Middle School PTO member; former PTO officer at George Washington Elementary and Neil Armstrong Middle School; basketball booster parent

Years residing in district: 45

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

Balancing new projects with keeping taxes manageable requires proactive, long-term planning. By maintaining district facilities and regularly reviewing the budget, we can prevent costly repairs, invest in quality education and keep finances stable. I also support pursuing grants and alternative funding to expand opportunities while reducing the burden on taxpayers.

What are some of your ideas for a smooth transition among students, parents, educators and the community at large with regard to the opening of the new elementary center next year?

Open communication and teamwork will be essential. I support holding a spring community meeting to share updates, answer questions and offer smaller group discussions to address specific concerns. Before the school year begins, staff orientations and family tours will help everyone feel comfortable and prepared. Continued collaboration between administration and teachers will align educational practices, while blending the traditions and strengths of each school will help all families feel represented and connected. By working together and keeping communication open, my hope is that we can make this transition a positive experience for our entire community.

Sharon Janosik

Democrat

Age: 56

Education: Bachelor of Science, organizational communication and leadership, Duquesne University

Occupation: Project coordinator, Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center

Community involvement/volunteer work: School director; resource on disability information and referral; former volunteer special education advocate; former volunteer family leader with Families to the Max

Years residing in district: 13

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

Fiscal management is a key responsibility of a school board director, and I take all of our decisions about spending very seriously. As a taxpayer in this community, I feel the same stress everyone else does, and I strive to make it affordable for our residents while still providing a high-quality education to our students. I pay scrupulous attention to district spending, carefully examining and weighing the cost versus the benefit of each decision made, checking that the research supports the expense and making sure that those decisions improve the education we provide. Our students receive an excellent education at a great value – our millage rate is in the middle of all Allegheny County school districts. With my experience in and knowledge of public education, I am positioned to make choices that are calculated to continue improving Bethel Park to “Best in Class.”

What are some of your ideas for a smooth transition among students, parents, educators and the community at large with regard to the opening of the new elementary center next year?

We are so excited to welcome our students, families, faculty and staff to the Bethel Park Elementary School in the fall of 2026! I encourage everyone to take advantage of the open houses and tours that we’ll hold so that you can preview the space, practice getting around and discover the possibilities. There will be new opportunities for learning and thriving around every corner: an outdoor classroom, a secure campus, a “right-sized” floor for our youngest learners and STREAM labs. As construction progresses, be sure to watch BPTV for segments about the building and stay connected through our emails, social media and the Chronicles. As this year progresses, we’ll be providing the information that all stakeholders need and want to know through as many channels as possible. Change can be hard, but it’s easier when you’re positive, flexible and excited!

Fiore Mastracci

Republican

Age: 71

Education: Master’s degree, education, Argosy University, Chicago; certificate of education, Waynesburg University; Bachelor of Arts, journalism, Duquesne University

Occupation: Retired (former teacher on both the secondary and post-secondary levels; professional journalist in print, radio and television)

Community involvement/volunteer work: Producer, BPTV; lector, Our Lady of Hope Parish; member, COR; film critic, CCA

Years residing in district: 40

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

Keeping taxes manageable (low) is crucial. Writing grants from the federal government and institutions is paramount. Establishing financial aid programs and tax credit scholarships, vouchers and educational savings accounts should be offered to families.

Creative fundraising, done in conjunction with community businesses and organizations, is essential. The stronger the connection between the school district and business community, the more money becomes available. This connection will also provide key parental involvement. Establishing internships and an optional trade curriculum strengthens the bond between the academics of the school and the needs of the business community. This was once called “school to work.” It is essential to ensure the curriculum matches industry needs and not a failed ideological agenda. Many services have no practical application and serve only to propagate a demented social justice tract. Therefore, any proposed new services or programs should be vetted by the board stringently.

All the schools have facilities that can benefit the community and various organizations. A committee can establish fees and a schedule amplifying the school-community bond while adding to the district coffers.

A financial incentive for parents is college accreditation. Continuing surveys by the board to determine the universities most attended by graduates will determine which programs to offer and support.

Finally, the board must prepare models that anticipate financial fluctuations to maintain workable programs and maintenance costs.

What are some of your ideas for a smooth transition among students, parents, educators and the community at large with regard to the opening of the new elementary center next year?

Communication is key. The new elementary school caused a division among residents. Some still harbor ill feelings toward the change. The best way to appease both sides is a positive, “we” approach to aspects surrounding the school’s opening.

For students, apprehension must be allayed. A tour of the new school is advantageous. For more sensitive students, individual family tours can be arranged. The benefits of the new school should be touted on social media, and students should have access to the new school’s social website, where positive attitudes can be reinforced. An initiation packet mailed to each student, highlighting the new school features, will help students feel more welcome.

For families, it is best to begin communications early. This is a great opportunity to foster parental involvement in the new school. Again, social media is prominent. Several meet-and-greets can be held months before opening, and morning coffees during the opening weeks of school will soften fears and assist in creating the new school community.

In my experience, most teachers revel in a new school. With this new school, there is a genuine concern centered on the number of students per class. If the district takes advantage of additional monies, not through tax increases but as detailed above, this situation should settle.

Finally, communication with the community and businesses at large, providing positive PR for the school and the area, is the best way to tie in those not essentially vested in the district. Every business and institution desires to ride the crest of the wave of positive celebrations. It all begins with an invitation to a pomp-and-circumstances dedication.

Colleen Sokira

Democrat

Age: 45

Education: BA in education from Carlow University

Occupation: Social services

Community involvement/volunteer work: actively involved in Our Lady of Hope Parish (formerly St. Valentine’s), teaching religious education for 10 years; Bethel Park High School Baseball Boosters program for five years; ongoing volunteer work with the area food banks/services and NAMI Keystone

Years residing in municipality: 45 (minus one year of college in Boston before transferring to Carlow)

With state funding often limited, how would you balance the need for new projects or services with the responsibility to keep taxes manageable?

The current state budget impasse and federal changes will have consequences we cannot entirely predict. We will have to manage and balance needs, proposed cuts and income needs as they are presented. I don’t think there is a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The programs and activities that the district provides are there because they serve the best interests of our students, families and staff. Cuts would be difficult for students and families, but also the current fiscal landscape does not make the idea of requesting a tax increase palatable for anyone. These times will require looking at things from a new perspective and being open to new ideas and funding sources that allow the district to find solutions that meet the needs of students, families, staff and the community.

What are some of your ideas for a smooth transition among students, parents, educators and the community at large with regard to the opening of the new elementary center next year?

When my oldest son was in second grade, he was affected by redistricting. He attended Ben Franklin for kindergarten and first grade; they were the school, teachers and principal he and I were comfortable with. Both he and I were very stressed about having to start all over again at a “new”-to-us elementary school, so I deeply sympathize with students, teachers, staff and families who are stressed about this upcoming transition. The best we can offer is what we offer for any kind of change, lots of opportunity to see and understand “the new.” Open houses are vital. The chance to see where students will be spending most of their day, in person, will be one of the most helpful opportunities. Students being assigned to classrooms and groups with other students and teachers they are familiar with, as well as open communication where parents/caregivers – via email, chat groups or social media platforms – can ask questions and get answers, are other ways to address stress around this change. I believe the work the new elementary school PTO group is doing is very helpful for families to feel comfortable in the new school.

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