Candidates in Quaker Valley School Board primary races seek nods from both parties

Editor’s note: The Sewickley Herald is publishing election previews with candidate interviews for contested municipal and school board races only. The previews for other local race will run in upcoming issues.

According to the Allegheny County Office of Elections unofficial candidate list, in the Quaker Valley School Board race, in Region 1, incumbent Gianni Floro is challenged by William B. Jasper for Democrat and Republican party nods for a four-year seat.

In Region 2, incumbent Geoff Barnes and candidates Angela Hawes, Juliane Mazzarella and Corinna Garcia-Skorpenske and have all cross-filed and seek party nominations for two four-year seats.

Incumbent Chesney Soderstrom is not running.

In Region 3, candidates John English, George Smith, Melissa Walls and Jessica Webster have all cross-filed and seek party nominations for two four-year seats.

Incumbents Marna Blackmer and Jeffrey Watters did not seek reelection.

Here are the nominees and their responses to the election questions posed by the Sewickley Herald.

Region 1

Gianni Floro

Why did you decide to run for election? Having served on the school board has been one the most fulfilling undertakings of my career. Continuing the long history of educational excellence in this district is my shared goal with the community. We are in a important time, and I wish to see the high school project to completion.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Our students, teachers and administration have made it through some trying times over the last few years, and I firmly believe that we need to continue to provide a world class education to our students; we must be resolute in this endeavor. Being supportive of that effort is my mission.

Why should people vote for you? People should vote for me because I believe in our community and the strength of our community. I have long supported the educational mission of this district with a keen eye on doing so in an efficient and fiscally responsible manner.

William B. Jasper

Why did you decide to run for election? To offer a choice of a safer, lower cost, equally modern new high school; address declining academic performance and high cost/student; support parental rights; avoid consolidation with nearby school districts.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Safety, affordability (and) timely delivery of a new high school.

Why should people vote for you? We can do better.

Region 2

Geoff Barnes

Why did you decide to run for election? I’m passionate about education as both a societal cornerstone and a key to personal fulfillment, and that means wanting excellent public education available as broadly as possible. We have that here. It’s not perfect, but it’s quite good, and it needs protectors in order to grow and thrive.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The easy answer is that we need to get the high school built. I think everyone knows that. But that’s also only one issue of many that need attention, and we have to be able to walk and chew gum, as it were.

Why should people vote for you? When my neighbors vote for me, they know they’re voting for a devoted public servant who’s dedicated to them and the work without ego or bombast. They’ve seen this during my first term. I’m here to listen to everyone and represent the best interests of our shared public education system.

Corinna Garcia-Skorpenske

Why did you decide to run for election? As a former school teacher, I have been on receiving end of school board decisions. I have taught in many states and economic demographics. I want to be a part of preparing students for a very successful life no matter the demographics.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The biggest issue for our area is the building of our new high school. We need to build smart and be transparent on information that is being sent out, good or bad. I also feel keeping our students safe is a must, as well as hiring more teachers who care about our students and their success.

Why should people vote for you? I’ve been in a classroom and have seen what successful students need. I’ve worked with parents in getting them on board to make our kids successful. My passion has always been the kids and their success. So while it is a par time job, my commitment will be full time.

Angela Hawes

Why did you decide to run for election?

I am running for the school board to serve the Quaker Valley School Sistrict community and to help ensure that we are meeting our obligations to our children in this generation of students and the generations of students to come.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? School finances. Being smart with how a school district spends money is one of the biggest issues facing any school board, as it affects all members of the community. We need to be smart with how we spend our budgets and smart with ways to save money.

Why should people vote for you? I am here for our community and look forward to listening to all sides of a situation and being a part of the solution that will benefit this special place that we call home.

Juliane Mazzarella

Why did you decide to run for election? With my professional background in architecture and interior design, and the upcoming construction of the high school, I felt that could be of service to the district. I was a high school student during a construction project growing up, I’ve also worked on educational construction projects in a professional capacity.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? I cannot speak to what I would consider the biggest challenge to the school board at this time without being a member. However, the ultimate goal of any board would be to ensure that the best programs, services and education is being provided to all of our students.

Why should people vote for you? I am a reasonable person who believes in hearing all sides of an issue before making an informed choice. I am dedicated to our school and town. I hope to be a source of information and assistance to bring about the best possible outcome for our students and town.

Region 3

John English

Why did you decide to run for election? I have been a public servant for over 47 years. After retiring, I wanted to continue to serve. The reason that I registered for both parties is that I wanted all the people in my district to know that no matter what party they are in, I am representing everyone.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? My first priority is safety, I am concerned about how secure our current school buildings are. Education is very important.

Why should people vote for you? I have many years of experience in every area of law enforcement. I worked very well with local and state governments.

I see a strong need to secure all of our school buildings. The elementary schools would be the first on my list for an upgrade. Education not indoctrination.

Melissa Walls

Why did you decide to run for election? I am proud to be one of a long line of family members who have graduated from Quaker Valley. I am running for school board because I am passionate about Quaker Valley, and want to ensure its legacy of academic success and status as one of the best districts.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Of course getting a new high school built is at the top of the list. I also believe that having a safe environment and the tools students need to meet their academic and personal goals to successfully compete in today’s fast-paced world are of utmost importance as well.

Why should people vote for you?A school district is a vital part of any community. A school district’s strength and reputation can make the surrounding community a desirable place to live and work. I will work to make decisions that are in the best interests of the students, teachers, support staff and QV community.

Jessica Webster

Why did you decide to run for election? All three of my children attend Quaker Valley Schools and have done so since kindergarten. We chose to call Sewickley home in part for the educational experiences provided in a small district. I believe it would be a privilege to give back to a community.

What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? We have amazing teachers and administrators who are dedicated to ensuring our students are well prepared for the future. In a time when families are moving into the Pittsburgh metro area and are choosing districts, we should have a quality high school facility that highlights and reflects our educational values.

Why should people vote for you? As a former educator with both classroom and administrative experience, I believe I bring a perspective of understanding all stakeholders in the district, including teachers and administrators, families and those without children who reside in our district. I would be honored to serve my community in support of public education.

Efforts to get responses from George Smith by press time were unsuccessful. Photos of Walls and Webster were not submitted at presstime.