10 candidates seek nominations for North Allegheny School Board

Editor’s note: The North Allegheny Journal is publishing election previews with candidate interviews for contested municipal and school board races only.

Ten candidates are competing for Democratic and Republican nominations for five seats on the North Allegheny School Board, with the primary election scheduled for May 16.

The 10 candidates, four of whom are incumbents, all cross-filed so they would appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots. In that way, one candidate could win both party nominations to appear on the ballot in the General Election. The state election code allows cross-filing to make school board races nonpartisan.

Those who survive the primary and the November general election will face issues such as building upgrades. The school district is in a design phase for a possible North Allegheny High School renovation. It is also planning for several other possible elementary school and middle school upgrades.

Another big issue arose from report released in January by state Auditor General Timothy DeFoor in which he named North Allegheny as one of 12 school districts in Pennsylvania that raised property taxes during years when it had enough cash on hand to cover expenses.

Joe Bierele, chair of the McCandless Republican committee, said the high number of candidates seeking seats on the school board reflects the value of the school district.

“North Allegheny is a nationally recognized school district, and there are many members of the community invested in continuing and growing the quality of the district,” Bierele said.

Paul Heckmann, chair of the McCandless Democratic Committee, voiced similar thoughts.

“Both parties recognize the importance of maintaining North Allegheny School District’s high standards, especially with North Allegheny being the largest school district in Allegheny County outside the Pittsburgh City School District,” Heckmann said.

Each school board member serves a four-year term. Shannon Yeakel, whose term began in 2019, is not seeking re-election.

These are candidates seeking Democratic and Republican nominations to appear on the November ballot for five seats on the North Allegheny School Board. The candidates are listed in alphabetical order.

Libby Blackburn

Age: 58

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Employee of USAirways/American Airlines for over 27 years before retiring in 2014.

Education: North Allegheny with high honors in 1982. Kenyon College with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1986.

Political experience: North Allegheny School Board Director since 2011.

Why did you decide to run for election or reelection?

I love North Allegheny and want to see our students continue to receive the outstanding public education that has brought so many families to this area for decades, while maintaining careful stewardship of tax dollars.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

In the next several years the school board will have to tackle the challenges posed by aging buildings, delivering a robust appropriate curriculum, and a need for improved security and safety. How to do this in a realistic and fiscally responsible way is our biggest issue.

Why should people vote for you?

I am firmly committed to building a better future for North Allegheny and its communities. My record of responsible and effective leadership on the board over the past decade along with my expertise in safety, education, and budgeting will move our district toward that future. Also of note, I voted NO to raising taxes in the years called into question by the Pennsylvania Auditor General.

Sylvana Bonner

Age: 50

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Senior Manager, FedEx.

Education: Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Syracuse University; Master of Science, IT Project Management, Robert Morris University.

Political Experience: None

Why did you decide to run for election?

As a district, we can do better. In today’s world, things are changing rapidly, and leaders need to leverage data to keep everyone focused on the right opportunity areas and solutions. We need to focus on what matters most: developing well rounded students who are prepared for the ever-changing world.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

Aging facilities. My daughter wore a coat for two years during the winter inside at NAI because the HVAC system wasn’t working properly. That’s not an environment conducive to learning. During WPIAL playoffs, visitors commented on the poor condition of NASH. We must evaluate whether new facilities make more sense than doing nothing as buildings deteriorate.

Why should people vote for you?

I value a well-rounded public education which prepares all students for their future. Education isn’t only about the core curriculum, but also about sports, music and arts, students’ interests, and collaboration with different people. It’s important that we produce the next generation of quality community members and effective leaders.

Marcie Crow

Age: 50

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Middle School Teacher, Gateway School District.

Education: Bachelor of Science, Elementary Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Master of Education, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Elementary and Secondary Principal’s Certificates, Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Certificate in Multi-Genre Writing, Oxford University; Graduate Certificate in American Literature and Culture, Harvard University Extension School, May 2023; Graduate Certificate in Middle Grades, Liberty University, July 2023.

Political experience: North Allegheny School Board 2019-Present, Vice President 2020-2021, 2022-2023.

Why did you decide to run for re-election?

I decided to run for reelection because my first two years of service were consumed with issues pertaining to the pandemic and delayed significant work that needs to be done on curriculum, school safety, administrative and Board transparency, and sound fiscal management.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

The biggest issue is twofold. There needs to be a focus on the basic tenets of excellence in our schools, but that cannot happen without a shared vision between administrative leadership and the community who is represented through members of the elected school board.

Why should people vote for me?

I bring value to the Board because I am the only current member and candidate with 30 years of experience in public schools. My career has been dedicated to advanced studies in curriculum, administration, and building strong school communities. Education is my life’s work, and schools are my passion.

Bob Gibbs

Age: 63

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Scientist/Educator, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience, University of Rochester; Ph.D., Biological Sciences, University of California-Irvine.

Political Experience: None

Why did you decide to run for election?

I am passionate about education. We have a responsibility to provide the best education we can for the kids in our community. I am troubled by the vicious attacks on our schools and our kids taking place all around the country. We need to protect our kids. I feel called to step up and support the community in this way.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

We need to ensure that our schools provide a safe and welcoming environment for all the kids in our community. Tremendous need for improvements in our facilities and infrastructure. More attention to the mental health of our kids. Full transparency in budgeting, finances, and decision-making.

Why should people vote for you?

Thoughtful. Analytic. Decisive. Thirty years experience educating students, leading committees, solving problems. Years of experience serving as treasurer and then president of a local non-profit — hence knowledge of budgets, leadership, and ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of people.

Jaime Martinez

Age: 21

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: North Allegheny Alumnus and Community Advocate.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Public Health Studies, Bachelor’s degree in International Studies, Minor in French, Johns Hopkins University, December 2023.

Political experience: Appointed to serve as student representative on NA School Board for two years.

Why did you decide to run for election?

I’ve seen our community become divided when it comes to education and when our leaders lose sight of our common goal: preparing students for success in a changing world. I decided to run to remain focused on bringing people together and turning down the temperature to uplift the next generation.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

Our learning environments — which includes the quality of our facilities, staff morale, and the need for a curriculum that prepares students to be global citizens — must be safe and welcoming for all. Making smart investments in our community’s future while distinguishing between wise and wasteful spending of our limited resources is paramount.

Why should people vote for you?

I know, better than anyone running, the practical impact of board decisions on students and staff, and I recognize the need for consensus-based leadership at NA. As a recent alumnus with extensive district involvement and a fresh, often-overlooked, and needed perspective, my service will reflect more thoughtful and representative leadership.

Kate Matz

Age: 41

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation: National Sales Manager with ePallet Inc., a pallet management provider; sits on the Board of Directors for The National Wood Pallet Container Association.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, University of Tampa.

Political experience: No official political experience.

Why did you decide to run for election?

My husband Travis and I have a daughter in the North Allegheny district. We agreed it was time to bring a fresh perspective to the board, including more transparency as to allocations of funds, increased engagement with parents and students, as well as maintaining and exceeding our previous levels of education NA is known for.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

I think it’s the lack of confidence parents feel in our educational systems. I would like to start an open forum where parents and educators can discuss what’s happening on both sides of the classroom door. Let’s include the insight of previous generations on what worked in the past and how we can reconnect.

Why should people vote for you?

I not only have board experience (National Wood Pallet Container Association), but also a vested interest with a daughter in the district. My husband is an NA graduate Class of ’91 and has always carried that sense of pride like many in our community. That pride should carry on by uniting all families and considering all sides.

Anisha Shah

Age: 49

Political affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Physician, Research Scientist, Medical Writer.

Education: Bachelor of Arts with Honors, Johns Hopkins University; Doctor of Medicine with Distinction, Stony Brook University; Residency, Fellowship, and Subspecialty Fellowship, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Political Experience: None

Why did you decide to run for election?

I have worn many hats: spouse, parent, first-generation immigrant, cancer survivor, parent volunteer, and physician. I’m grateful for the way my community has supported me through the good, the bad, and the ugly things life has thrown my way, and I’m happy to serve in such a supportive community.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

North Allegheny must address the glaring mental health needs of students. We must do this through genuine collaboration rather than the hostility that too often accompanies difficult school board decisions. The skills I have honed as a physician — namely genuine listening and collaborative problem solving — will also define my service as a school director.

Why should people vote for you?

My education and career require data analysis, creative problem solving, management skills, and an attention to detail. These skills will allow me to serve well on the school board. I will bring resilience, patience, and a growth mindset to the board, and I want to be part of the positive, open, and secure village that it takes to raise a child.

Janet Redwing Sidor

Age: 46

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Business Controllership Analyst.

Education: Bachelor of Business Administration, University of North Texas.

Political experience: Franklin Park Republican Committeewoman.

Why did you decide to run for election?

The findings from the auditor’s report is what pushed me to run. I believe taxpayers deserve transparency. It is only through open and honest communication that progress can be made. I bring an open perspective to addressing these challenges while allowing everyone to feel valued and confident with decisions.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

I believe that ensuring our students’ safety is the most pressing issue for the district. Safety is fundamental to fostering an environment where parents feel good about sending their kids to school and our students are able to focus on achieving academic success.

Why should people vote for you?

As a mother, I am passionate about providing opportunities for the success of each child. l will work tirelessly to represent the voices of parents with different viewpoints while building a strong partnership with the Administration to ensure we are being good stewards of tax dollars. I ask you to put your trust in me.

Elizabeth Warner

Age: 47

Political Affiliation: Democrat

Occupation: Engineer

Education: Bachelor of Science with honors, Civil Engineering and Engineering & Public Policy, Carnegie Mellon University; Master of Science, Environmental Engineering, Johns Hopkins University

Political Experience: North Allegheny School Board, December 2019-Present.

Why did you decide to run for re-election?

For seven years attending board meetings was my odd hobby. For the last three it’s been my vocation. I still love learning the details of running the district and applying that knowledge to support stellar community schools that provide excellent academic and extracurricular experiences for our students.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

Setting a budget that allows NA to prepare 8,400 different students with different needs for post-secondary success while facing increasing pension costs and aging facilities is the district’s biggest challenge. Using our resources wisely is critical to maintaining rising home values while keeping per-student-spending below the county average.

Why should people vote for you?

The analytical skills I honed working as an air quality engineer, my background in public policy, and raising four children all prepared me for serving as a school director. I’ve strived to make informed, reasonable decisions during my term and I’m prepared to continue that approach for four more years.

Michael Weniger

Age: 40

Political affiliation: Republican

Occupation: Construction manager.

Education: Bachelor of Science in civil engineering, Bucknell University; Master in Civil Engineering, University of Pittsburgh; Master of Business Administration, Carnegie Mellon University.

Political experience: Current North Allegheny School Board Director.

Why did you decide to run for election?

I believe that my experience in the private sector combined with my education provide the district with a unique skill set. When my wife and I had children, we decided to live in NA with the hope that our kids would have as great of an experience in the district as I did. Being on the board is one of the ways I can give back to the community.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed?

Controlling the ever-ballooning budget while trying to meet the needs of an ever-evolving educational environment. NA has several schools that are at or soon to be nearing their life expectancy and significant renovations need to be made to each facility. Additionally, I believe we need to thoroughly review the district’s approach to safety.

Why should people vote for you?

I am not a politician. I am an NA graduate with two small children in the district. I simply want what is best for our children: a safe, welcoming environment where our children can learn. Every decision I make will be thoughtful and based on sound logic, not political ideology.