Penn Hills Senior High School, Robert Morris University, Point Park University

Manager of Project Manager, Manager of Member Experience and Consultant. These roles have provide me the opportunity to conduct proper project planning, identify risk and provide mitigation plan as well as provide mid year and annual budget forecasting. Additionally, I have experience in LUMA Human Centered Design.

Currently a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated whose mission is based upon providing community service. I have volunteered previously at Edgewood's Fun Day and Frosty Shop. With my career at Highmark we have volunteered with the local food bank.

I am running for school board with the agenda to ensure every student receives quality education, bridge the communication gap between the school district and the community in which it serves. As a member of the Woodland Hills School District school board I plan to ask challenging questions and vote in the best interest of the constituents of Region 1. I will work across the political lines to support our teachers, and colleagues to deliver the best strategic plan for the school district. I had faith the administration team would do their due diligence when making financial decisions, I had faith the school could get back to the positive image they once had been. However, it has become apparent the community is no longer factored in decisions being made, Transparency and community partnership are no longer desired and that needs to change. I plan to use my experience managing cross functional teams, and risk mitigation practices to ensure Woodland Hills remains a school district which community members can trust regardless of their political affiliation. I plan to work collaboratively to ensure this standard of excellence and positive community relationship remain a staple for all Wolverines.

Public education shaped my entire educational background and I am honored to have the experience I had within the Pittsburgh area. Education has been a place in which I was free to express myself, I had teachers who challenged me because they knew I was capable, and the curriculum programs that were available to me allowed me to understand my strengths and how to prepare for college. Completing my senior research paper provided me the tool needed to perform proper research which I used during my college experience. I can recall in my Anatomy and Physiology class my teacher challenged us to learn every bone within the face, and while it was challenging he knew in order to achieve high academics we had to learn what skills and tools we needed to study for large exams. I would like to ensure both my children benefit from public education in the same manner I have.

1) Improving the transparency and community relations is also a top priority I would like to address as a school board director. As I compare the Woodland Hills School District board meeting to other districts in close proximity there is a vast difference on how information is communicated. Additionally, recently several business decisions without proper research being conducted which I plan to end as a school board member.

2) As a certified project manager I plan to ensure programs are developed within the district with clear business objectives, projected financial outcomes and executed as defined in the timeline.

3) Community members are key to a district's continued success and as a school board director I plan to ensure the constituents in Region 1 have a voice at the table and as confident I will be working as a representative for them.

1) Transparency with the public. Which I plan to ensure community members feel encouraged to attend and feel their voice are being heard. As we have noticed often times as parents we hear about changes in the district via our children which does show the administration values parents input.

2) Challenges with ensuring we keep our educators and other key resources within the district. This is a easy fix by ensuring we promote from within the district and allow our educators with appropriate credentials and experience an opportunity to stay within the district they value.

As a manager there are often times where I am faced with resources having a difference of opinion, or issues coming to an agreed upon decision. The key to remember in those situation is what is the desired income which will be beneficial to all parties, there are times when we have to compromise but every party should feel they did not have to "give up everything" to make the other side happy. An effective plan should include ideas from all sides, and individuals should be respected during the conversation and assumptions should not be at the discussion table.

The school board has a role to hearing what educators who are teaching the curriculum view as valuable. The board should ensure resources are provided to support our teacher with ensuing our children have the best educator. If the school board would like to make recommendations that should only occur once they have sat in classrooms to hear the conversation between teacher and student. Board members needs to also recognize challenges educators are faced with considering changes in the times and they should feel the board is working to assist them not to cause additional stress or challenges.

I would want my lasting impression to be "she cared". Whether the comment comes from my community members, educators, paraprofessional or other board members. I want to ensure no one within this district felt decisions were made without the impact to the community taken into account. I have seen several other district board members reading to the children within their respective areas, attending school events and just showing up to show they are not just there when the cameras are on but there when the student need them.

Clarion Area Elementary School
Clarion Area Jr/Sr High School
Penn State Erie - Bachelor of Science (Computer Science)

Software Engineer - Vocollect/Honeywell 2005-2020
Web Applications Engineer - ZOLL Medical Corporation 2020-Present
The most applicable skills are my experiences working in teams to solve problems. I may also be able provide informed input on technology choices the school makes for both infrastructure and teaching tools.

Member of Wilkins PTA
Woodland Hills Foundation HUGS Volunteer
Boy Scout Volunteer

I am disappointed by the sharp decline in transparency, lack of community input, and the dismissive and sometimes hostile response to parent concerns.

Agenda items are frequently voted on that do not include basic information like contracts or identifying the funding pool that money will come out of.

All standing committee meetings have been permanently cancelled. All district level meetings that included discussions with parents and the public have been eliminated and replaced by a single recurring parent meeting that is poorly advertised.

My initial goals as School Director will be to advocate for community involvement and to encourage other board members to mandate the district include parents and the community in appropriate decision making prior to items appearing on board meeting agendas and to demand that items before the board contain the required information to make informed decisions. I hope that those changes will result in better decisions as well as early community and parent buy-in and be consistent with funding requirements from programs like Title 1 and ESSER.

It is important to us that quality education is accessible to everyone in the community. Since our children have become school age, our family has invested in our schools to participate in programs and events to improve education and community involvement such as volunteering at book fairs, movie nights, uniform giveaways, and more.

I appreciate elementary building administration support of PTA activities and parent involvement. I also have had good experiences with communication and availability of many of the teachers.

I think the biggest challenges of WHSD are lack of community involvement and lack of community trust. The first steps to solving these problems are to reinstate committee meetings and to require contract and funding information be present in agenda items.

Giving the community opportunities to provide input and feedback on how the school is run will address both of those problems. Right now parents feel shut out and that they have no influence on how the schools they send their children to are run. If we have opportunities for open public discussions about district decisions, better decisions will be made and parents will feel invested in the decisions and will be more inclined to support them.

There have been some agenda items missing information that could be viewed as problems simply because we don't know how contractors were chosen or what they are actually being paid to do. Having requirements like the source of funding and contract terms attached to agenda items will help to build trust with the community that decisions are made in the best interest of the district.

As elected officials, the parents and community members that elected us should always have a voice in our decisions when information can be public. With that being said, my initial approach to weighing conflicting interests will be to consider the groups most impacted by decisions as well as those with the least influence so that their input is not lost.

It is my view that the school board should not have a direct role in determining curriculum. It would be the job of the administration to propose curriculum with data and research to support their proposals so that the school board can approve curriculum decisions with confidence that they are made in the best interest of the district. School board members should withhold support for curriculum changes if supporting data is missing or does not justify the decision or if reasonable feedback from constituents raises enough concern. It may be appropriate for school board members to propose minor changes to existing curriculum with a clear benefit presented, but they should not be dictating what should or should not be taught in classrooms if it is inconsistent with reputable research.

I hope to have encouraged public confidence in the district by increasing transparency and restoring or creating avenues for community involvement so everyone has the opportunity to feel a sense of pride from having a real voice in the direction our district takes.

POST-SECONDARY - Doctorate from Point Park University, Masters from Carnegie Mellon University, Bachelor form Edinboro University, SECONDARY - High School Diploma from Westinghouse High School, PRIMARY - Winnetka Elementary in LA, California

Since 1994 I have worked with youth. I began my career as a prevention specialist at the Homewood-Brushton YMCA in 1994. I then began working in the Pittsburgh Public School System for 13 years in a variety of roles from teacher, math coach, Instructional Teacher Leader, Co-Principal, Director of the district math curriculum 6-12 and presented various Professional Development. I later worked as principal at Penn Hills Charter School of Entrepreneurship for 9 years where I managed the day to day operations from hiring, budget review and decision making, to curriculum and data accountability procedures and processes. I am currently the superintendent at Clairton City Schools where my responsibilities include fiscal management, staff development, community relations, student achievement and maintaining a productive board relationship.

I have participated in peace marches in various communities (Braddock, Homewood, Penn Hills). I am a member of PROOF a network of professional women that provide training, coaching, and leadership skills. As a board member of Nahbi ministries I participate in toys for tots, coat drives and other community needed programs like housing and utility resources. I have been a PTA member at PHCSE. A Leadership Pittsburgh XXXIX where we look to solve community issues.

I'm running for WHSD School Board to be a resource to the district with my vast experience and knowledge of the education system. I have been in the education field over 20 years in a variety of roles. I want to ensure that our district continues to move forward in the great work that has been started and discontinue what is not working. I want to be part of making sure that ALL students are able to have access to an Excellent Education experience by having highly qualified, competent caring adults in front of them. I want to make sure we are fiscally responsible by making sure our resources are used to assist in the growth and development of staff and students. I am running to be part of the solution to make WHSD a premier school district that will attract families and grow our economy.

Quality public education is important in creating an economically, healthy and sustainable community. A quality public education allows access to unlimited opportunities. When students are given access to high quality education the ability to create wealth increases that breaks the cycle of generational poverty that some communities experience. My family has been part of the public education system and I have spent over 20 years working in public education.

I would like to support and maintain the following strengths of WHSD 1) School pride in the sports and art programs 2) Community partnerships 3) Committed staff

The three challenges that I see WHSD facing are 1) The lack of teaching staff diversity. I would like to assist in working with Universities and colleges in creating a pipeline of diverse teaching candidates. I would also like to ensure that teaching is a viable career choice by allowing interns and job shadowing to occur with our high school students. 2) Negative perception of the district. I would like to assist in creating a plan that allows for accountability, consistency, and transparency in order to build trust. The plan will allow taxpayers to know the challenges we face and allowing them to assist in creating a solution that benefits all students in the various neighborhoods that WHSD serve. 3) Safety and mental health of students and staff. I would make sure that our all stakeholders had a voice when it came to making decisions around how we could ensure a safe and welcoming school environment that supports the mental health of students and staff. This would include quarterly check-in with the committee as well as reports at board meetings regarding wellness checks conducted by H.R. and administrators. All of these challenges are opportunities that involve the input of all stakeholders to create a lasting impact through consistent evaluation of effectiveness.

Conflict is not a negative thing. Conflict is an opportunity to creatively solve challenges. 1) Gather data (attendance, discipline, demographics, etc.) that is related to the challenge. 2) Identify the stakeholders (teachers, administrators, parents, community members, students and Board members) to be part of the decision making process. A school comprehensive plan is required by each school and should include all stakeholders when making decisions for five years. 3) The stakeholder group should analyze the data to determine the root issue and not the surface problem. 4) Once all the results are gathered possible solutions are explored and supported by data to identify what direction the district needs to consider. 5) Finally, a transparent process of voting is held to make the best decision based on the mission and vision of the district. The bottom line of decision making is doing what is right for children in alignment with our mission and vision.

The role of the school board is to provide governance. School boards assist in making sure that the district is making fiscally sound decisions. The board makes sure that policies are current and enforced. The board serves as advisors and a resource to the administration. Curriculum is an important responsibility of the board to ensure that policies and mandates are followed. Board members should listen to the stakeholders in determining the goals for curriculum. Curriculum is how we teach not the programs used so curriculum is vital to the advancement of student performance and competitiveness within the education system. The board should participate in curriculum committee meetings to gather the data and recommendation of the superintendent. The board representative then is able to assist with the identification of the funds to support curriculum decisions.

I would like the community to know that I was accountable, consistent, and transparent. I would be remembered for holding everyone to the same standards of accountability, consistency, and transparency. By holding these values as the foundation of our district our children and community will be provided with an "Excellence for ALL Education."

I graduated from Swissvale High School in 1987. I also graduated from Carlow University with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Minors in Business and Sociology. I then enrolled in a dual graduate program at the University of Pittsburgh completing my Master’s of Social Work Degree and at the Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.

I am Licensed Social Worker who is currently employed in UPMC as a Behavioral Health Therapist. I provided individual therapy for persons with mental health and substance use disorders.

As a licensed minister, I served in youth ministry for many years. I have also held youth group in my home teaching the youth biblical principles, morals and values. I was also the Director of the Outreach Sunday School Program in the former Hawkins Village Community. During this time, I organized a peace/prayer walk in Hawkins Village after the youth expressed safety concerns in their community. I have also been a part of H.O.O.P.S organization’s annual community prayer/peace walks as well as the 15104 Initiative Community Group. Currently, I am a member of the Mon Valley Outreach Community Evangelism Team wherein we provided food, spiritual care, and resources to child and their families in the community.

As a mother of a child who graduated from the district, I am running for the WHSD School Board to ensure every student in the district is afforded the opportunity of receiving a great education that will prepare them for success. In addition, as a mother and faith community leader, I care about concerns of the youth, and their families, in our community. Therefore, serving on the WHSD School Board would provide an greater opportunity to ensure the concerns and needs of the constituents of Region 2 are heard.

I am a product of the public education system as well as my child. It is because of the quality public education my son received in the Woodland Hills School District that prepared him for higher education, receiving scholarships offers as a result of his quality public education. Thus, a quality education is crucial in setting our children up to succeed academically in higher education, in the work force and as community members.

I would like to work to support the Music and Theatre

Low student enrollment: I would like to find out why parents are leaving the district to help explore ways to improve student retention.

I would focus on doing what is in the best interest of the students.

I believe the educators/teachers play a key role in determining the curriculum for students. As board members, we should support our educators in determining the best curriculum ensuring that curriculum meets the student’s needs of all learners and preparing our students for college or a career.

That I collaborated with fellow board members, administrators, parents, students, teachers for the benefit of ensuring that all of the children in the Woodland Hills School District obtain a good education.

I have a post high school education , however I have completed each year of my education in the Woodland Hills School District including pre-k.

I am a current board member I am coming up on completing my 1st full 4 year term, and there is no prep for this position, its a position that you learn as you go simply because you never know what challenges your going to have to address.

Several, church, community, school and local business owner

I would like to opportunity to serve another term to see some of the projects in progress completed , ex Swissvale Library

I recognize the many benefits, through the outcomes of my children ( whom all 3 went thru the Woodland Hills District) and I feel its important to give children as many life changing opportunities as possible and that is what Quality Public education provides.

AP and Honor course programs, as well as our health and language programs and Athletics , I will continue to do what I am doing know support our administrators

Student retention, and special education , continue what I am doing now , work w/ the admin on retention strategies and try to improve our special ed model

Always do what is right in the best interest of the students.

We work closely w/ admin and teachers to assure the curriculum is teachable, and up to date and the standard for all students to have a successful outcome.

The importance the Parental Involvement makes in the success of our community and our students.

Peabody High School Diploma
CCAC Associates of Science General Studies & Pedology (Study of Children);
IUP Bachelor of Science Child Development & Family Relations/CDFR;
CCAC Certificate Minority & Ethnic Studies;
PITT Master of Science' Applied Developmental Psychology/ADP;
University of Oxford Certificate of Residency Childhood Education
Pennsylvania Women Work Certificate of Completion

40yrs Childhood Development Expert: Center Care Ctr Pre-K, Registered Family Child Care;
Child Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Supervisor-Monitor;
Office Child Development & Early Learning (OCDEL) Think Tank;
Childhood Development BoDs;
Childhood Development Advisory Councils;
Community Program Development Involvement
Conference Speaker Domestic & International

Created Braddock Playground Recreation Education Program; Braddock Family Swim & Recreation Program; Spreading the Word Children's Ministry; A Day of Caring & Sharing; Braddock Pop-Up Book Event; LIONS Mon River Fleet; Mon Valley Diversity Inclusion Oversite Commission; Greater Valley Coalition Against Violence/GCAV

I am running for WHSD School Director; To be an asset in the decision making of the overall Educational direction of WHSD. The direction begins by meeting the needs of the Children, Families, Staff, Committees and Communities served!

Quality Education is important for the future of our Region, County, State and Nation. Children need to be prepared to be educated adults with qualified & mature skill sets; Social, Emotional, Cognitive, Physical, Language, Literacy & Arts. I know the importance of Curriculum, Staff supports, and Strengthening School to Community relationships and their benefit for our WHSD children's overall development and success.

I will augment reinforced commitment to the overall success of WHSD Children, Families & all Staff and Knowledgeable School Board Directors. I will build on the strength of the diversity of WHSD.

As much as diversity is our strength, strength undisciplined can become destructive. Again I would build on diversity; with an emphasis on families, culture, race, and religion. Another challenge facing our nation is violence. Let's first hear the voices of our students and then form alliances with child centered; not popular; entities/orgs and develop solutions. Additionally and not least, we must address the effects of poverty. Why? Because poverty diminishes all of us in various ways.

I will augment reinforced commitment to the overall success of WHSD Children, Families & all Staff and Knowledgeable School Board Directors. I will build on the strength of the diversity of WHSD.

I believe the School Board should be involved in every aspect of WHSD including the curriculum. Our role would be to understand the values of the communities served; families, culture, race, and religion; and then link that knowledge with the overall direction of the Country and the Global World. Consequently, a School Director should utilize an informed opinion on curriculum and all other decisions.

When elected I wish to leave my footprints in the hearts and minds of those served; trajectories of awareness, love, compassion, hope and inspiration!

Woodland Hills class of '94
B.S. in Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh
M. Ed. in Secondary Education from Point Park University

I have work in the education field for 22 years. In that time, I have taught 6-12 grade Math, Science, Computers, and Finance at Urban Pathways 6-12 Charter School. I have served as a member of the leadership team and as the Mathematics Department Chair. Some of my duties beyond teaching include writing curriculum and creating the master schedules.

I am currently a member of the Woodland Hills Board of Directors since July 2022.
I served as an member of AmeriCorps through Keys Service Corps.
I coached youth recreation sports (baseball and basketball) for Edgewood Borough.

During the summer of 2022, a vacant position was posted in my region. As an alumni and parent of a current student, I was looking for a way to become involved with the district. I want to be sure that all of our students (including my daughter) are given the all of the opportunities they need for a successful journey through school and beyond.

My wife and I both are alumni of public schools. I am for building a strong community. I have noticed that over the years, more and more of the kids in my neighborhood go to many different schools. This makes it difficult to build that sense of community. It takes away that time building relationships with other parents at the bus stop or talking to your neighbors about different school events.

I will work to support the current curriculum/class offerings with in the district. I have had conversations with parents of former students, who rave about the educational opportunities their children had in our district.
Woodland Hills has a reputation in our area for its theater program. I will work to support the program to ensure its continued success.

How we are seen by the public and portrayed on the news is a major problem in our community. I have noticed recently that we have been involved in a more positive way. We need to work to continue to let the public know all of the good things that happen within the district.
Another challenge within the district is finding a way to help decrease the racial achievement gap. There is no definitive solution to this problem, but offering more supports to students and families who are struggling could have a positive outcome.

As a member of the board, I have been placed in difficult situations. I find it best to attempt to get as much information from everyone involved. The two most important groups to listen to are the parents and teachers. Any decision we make will have the most impact on them.

I believe the administration should make decisions on curriculum. They are the ones who have earned degrees on writing and implementing curriculum. The School Board's role in the matter should just be for oversite based on data from the district, as well as feedback from the public.

It is not about what impression I leave, it is about what we as board members, parents, and other stakeholders can do to better the district for everyone in our community.

Fairywood Elementary (Pittsburgh-Closesd) Langley High School (Pittsburgh-now a elementary school) Wheeler Business School (Pittsburgh-closed)

Highmark -customer service, supervisor, manager-30 years-retired 2 1/2 years

Education Rights Network- non profit organization with 412 Justice: Board member. Allegheny County Healthy Children Cohort.

With my grandson entering into kindergarten come fall, I have accepted the responsibility as well as my daughter to assure he receives the best education he deserves. But I also care deeply for other children. My children and family members also Woodland Hills and they received a great education and have all moved on to become successful adults. I also care about our community. Combining efforts to assure our children are empowered with a education from our school district could lead to a community they can one day raise their families.

My grandson will entering kindergarten in September. My children and other family members all attended public schools. I want to assure all aspects of education are met including the curriculum, teacher student relationships and resources positively engaging all students.

Arts and Theatre. The willingness to make changes.

Low student totals. Parent administration relationships. Resolutions: determine why families chose alternative schools. Secondly, parents and teacher/administration relationships are visible to our students and being involved by actively seeking each others input help will benefit all.

Restorative practices are a wonderful way to help with conflicts. When we understand that we must sit down and talk with not at each other and develop a common ground, we work together in resolving issues.

As a member of the school board we are responsible to work collaboratively with teachers providing critical support with understanding the importance of empowering our students to engage in studies imperative to their learning and development.

My hopes is to leave a lasting impression of building a positive relationship and filling voids often plaguing our children.

I attended all of my schooling in the Wilkinsburg School District, graduating in 1974. I earned a degree in Secondary English Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1978. I began my teaching career in 1996 and earned my Bachelor’s plus 24 from IUP.

I taught English Language Arts in the Woodland Hills School District from 1996 until my retirement in 2019, primarily in grades 9-10, but also in SAT Prep and remedial PSSA and Keystone classes. I also directed four musicals at East Junior High and sponsored the 9th Grade class.

In the time between my college graduation and my return to work, I volunteered many hours in our schools directing musical and drama performances, including one '500 Hours' award. I was a WH District 'Parent Council' representative until 1996. I served for many years with the Braddock Hills Athletic Association and I was the President of the Woodland Hills East Pony League Association for several years.
Last year, I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Woodland Hills School Board of Education. I represent Region 3 - Forest Hills, North Braddock, East Pittsburgh, and my town, Braddock Hills.

Between the oldest and the youngest of the seven children that I sent through WHSD, I observed every school board that we had, starting in the early 90's. Along with the successes, I have seen things that should have been done in a better way, primarily due to a lack of communication between the board, administration, teachers, and families. As a current WHSD Board member, I bring a wealth of information that has been forgotten in the frequent turnover of administrations.
Additionally, I am the first retired Woodland Hills teacher to serve on the Woodland Hills School Board. I provide insight there in many, many ways. I consider myself a voice for our teachers. They have a hard job, and you cannot realize it unless actually you do it.

Quality public education should be important to every family. I question the family that does not find it to be so. Our system of public education provides an opportunity for all children to access the knowledge and skills they will need to be successful members of society, regardless of their cultural, economic, or social status. It gives them the foundation to be lifelong learners and contributing American citizens.

Our diversity truly is our strength. Every day, out students learn and interact with others from races, religions, and family backgrounds that may be different from their own, but are genuinely representative of the world that they will live in.
Another strength that we have is a commitment to growth. We have so much to offer that is not recognized by a public that only wants to see the bad at Woodland Hills. Every school at every level is alive with innovative teaching, academic and athletic opportunities, and a wide range of current technology.

The greatest thing that we have to overcome is the racial achievement gap. Some of the strategies for addressing that are already in place, including better access to early childhood education through the Pre-K Counts program and a myriad of interventions a provided for in the three-tiered PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) framework available to all students. Also, while it is far from fulfilled, there have been consistent efforts over the years to address implicit biases and culturally responsive teaching.
This leaves the biggest challenges, both of which are financial. First, how do we encourage all local families to use our public school and not draw their students - and the accompanying funds that follow them - to charter schools? Also, and most importantly, will low-income schools like ours see relief as a result of February's ruling that Pennsylvania's public education funding system is unconstitutional and Gov. Shapiro's hints that he will reform the system? We need a level playing field.

Life experience has told me to listen to everyone's side of the story, and I try my best to hear the opinions of the stakeholders. The primary goal must be the success of the students. I may end up disappointing a few people with a decision, but I will have made it with as thorough consideration as I possibly could.

The School Board doesn't run the district - they are there to assure that the district is run well. I will defer to the PSBA (Pennsylvania School Boards Association) guide: "how curriculum is taught is not within the school board's purview; that is the art of teaching. The district has a superintendent and an entire team of teachers who are educational professionals to provide expertise on strategies and techniques that meet the needs of their students. The board only approves what is taught, and that is detailed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education in the Pennsylvania Academic Standards."

I would hope that I represented my family, my community, my school district, and especially the educators of that district with thoughtfulness, thoroughness, and kindness.