Avonworth School Board candidates

&emsp;&emsp;Nearly everyone on the primary ballot ended up making it to the general election, where voters will elect four members of the Avonworth School Board. Incumbents Beau Blaser and Patrick Stewart were selected by voters of both parties in the primary election. Democrats also chose incumbent Vicki Carlson and Amy Tokar, while Republicans nominated Monica O'Neil and Maureen O'Connor. Once again, there is a write-in candidate seeking election, Donnell Scott. &emsp;&emsp;Published here are candidates' unedited responses to a questionnaire provided to them by The Citizen prior to the May primary election. How long have you resided in the district?&emsp;&emsp;Blaser: Life-long resident&emsp;&emsp;Carlson: 30 years&emsp;&emsp;O'Connor: We moved to Ohio Township 15 years ago, specifically for the school district. &emsp;&emsp;O'Neil: I have been a resident of Avonworth School District for 17 years. &emsp;&emsp;Scott: Mr. Scott and his wife Christina are residents of the Ohio Township Heritage Estates neighborhood. Their children, in 2nd and 7th grades, have attended school in the Avonworth School District for almost five years. The Scott kids are active indeed: their daughter is in cheer, soccer, and gymnastics. Their son plays soccer and is also a Boy Scout. Even with all the busy family schedules, the family loves to play board games, attend sporting events, and watch movies together. Plus, he and his wife enjoy traveling internationally. When he's not spending time with family, Donnell enjoys all sports, especially golf, and reading. Mr. Scott is the epitome of the busy Avonworth parent.&emsp;&emsp;Stewart: 27 Years &emsp;&emsp;Tokar: 20 years What is your educational/professional background? &emsp;&emsp;Blaser: Studied Information/Computer Science, University of Pittsburgh; Employed as Educational Technology Leader at area private school&emsp;&emsp;Carlson: BS in Computer Science from Rochester Institute of Technology. Worked at various Software companies in Pittsburgh for 10 years. Director of Connection (Church Staff) at New Community Church in Wexford last 13 years.&emsp;&emsp;O'Connor: I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and am a pharmaceutical/biologics specialist in the rare disease space working with physicians and patients.&emsp;&emsp;O'Neil: I have been practicing civil engineering for 18 years, am a licensed professional engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and I work on various public projects. I have a Bachelor's of Science and a Master's of Science both in Civil Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh.&emsp;&emsp;Scott: Donnell is a veteran of the United States Navy having specialized in anti-submarine warfare. "I initially started in the nuclear engineering program, but switched to my first love, meteorology. I worked on the USS Nimitz in the weather program." Since his Honorable discharge, he was stationed in the Puget Sound of Washington state, he has worked in financial services wealth management, in leadership roles for more than 27 years. Born and raised in New Jersey, his career path has taken him to multiple states including as a Vice President for Morgan Stanley in Delaware, a VP at Merrill Lynch in Pennsylvania, an AVP at JPMorgan in Ohio, and prior with UBS Wealth Management. Mr. Scott has lived in five states though out his Navy and financial services career and brings a national perspective to leadership. &emsp;&emsp;Stewart: BS Electrical Engineering; 30+ Year Career in Information Technology. Currently Chairman/CEO of TMX Compliance&emsp;&emsp;Tokar: Graduate of the University of Pittsburgh (main campus). My current role is the Director of Sales Operations & Chief of Staff for IQVIA, a healthcare human data science company. Prior to this role with IQVIA, I worked with the Nielsen Company, a data and analytics company, for 20 years as a Director in Sales Operations, sales support and client management as well as Pepsi-Cola in financial analytics for 5 years. Community service? &emsp;&emsp;Blaser: Prior service on the Pastoral Council at Sacred Heart Church in Emsworth. Served as Assistant Cubmaster for Avonworth's Cub Scout Pack 321.&emsp;&emsp;Carlson: I am one of the founding families of Gregory's Gift, a local charity that provides funding for families in the adoption process. I volunteer countless hours every month as an active member of the Avonworth School Board. I also volunteer in the ministries of my local church, including several mission trips serving those in extreme poverty both domestically and internationally. As a parent I volunteer when needed at school or in support of my kids' extracurricular activities.&emsp;&emsp;O'Connor: Currently I am the Committee Chair for Boy Scout Troop 321. I assist with the Mt. Nebo Food Pantry. Advocate and volunteer for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Prior board member for Western Pennsylvania Parkinson's Disease Foundation.&emsp;&emsp;O'Neil: I have been involved in volunteering with young people in a variety of ways for a number of years. I currently volunteer in the Kid's Ministry Program at Christ Church at Grove Farm. I am a member of the Avonworth PTA and have volunteered in my children's classrooms numerous times. I was a Girl Scout Troop Leader for 4 years in the local area, and I have facilitated my employer's involvement in Engineer's Week at the Carnegie Science Center where local industry and academia present STEM activities to students. I have volunteered at the Avonworth Middle School in the 8th Grade Science Class to help students with planning, executing, and presenting their bridge projects as part of their course work.&emsp;&emsp;In addition to volunteering with young people, I have served in leadership roles within professional organizations related to my occupation for over 12 years. Most recently I served as President of Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS) International Pittsburgh Chapter from 2018-2020.&emsp;&emsp;Scott: Mr. Scott is an advocate for youth success. For the past four years, Donnell has served on the board of directors for The Mentoring Partnership of SW PA which helps children by delivering resources to mentoring programs throughout our region. He has also served on several sub-committees with the organization. Educational service is important to both Mr. Scott and his wife, who also serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee for the school district currently. In addition to his professional alliances, Donnell is also a leader in his son's Boy Scout pack.&emsp;&emsp;Stewart: Coached AGAA Fast Pitch Softball for 14 years (1998-2012); American Diabetes Board of Directors (2015-Present); Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (2005-Present); St. John & Paul Parish Sacristan (2006-Present); Food Bank Volunteer (2006-Present); Christian Youth Mission Trip Leader (2004-2018)&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;Tokar: I have experience with non-profit organizations such as the North Boroughs YMCA (having served on the advisory board for 3 years) and I currently volunteer in the administrative office at Animal Friends. In addition, for the last 3 years, I've served on the board of the Avonworth Band Boosters Association (which supports the largest student organization at Avonworth), including participation in band trips, concession stand help, and fundraising activities. Prior local government experience?&emsp;&emsp;Blaser: Served on Avonworth School Board since 2012.&emsp;&emsp;Carlson: Current Avonworth School Board President, and Avonworth School Board Director for ten years.&emsp;&emsp;O'Connor: I look forward to learning and applying my skill set.&emsp;&emsp;O'Neil: In my career as an Engineer I coordinate regularly with government agencies, and I see the challenges faced by government in their efforts to meet the public good.&emsp;&emsp;Scott: Although Mr. Scott served in the U.S. Navy, he has not previously run for any local elected government position.&emsp;&emsp;Tokar: None. What is your interest/involvement in the school district?&emsp;&emsp;Blaser: I've served in a variety of roles and committees including: Technology, Buildings & Grounds, Athletics, Finance, as well as one of our Beattie Tech Representatives. I was Board President in 2019 and 2020 and am the current Vice President.&emsp;&emsp;Carlson: I have lived in Ben Avon for 30 years and have raised all of my children here. All four of my kids will attend Avonworth schools from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Ever since my kids were little, I have been involved in their education and development by volunteering in the classroom, PTA, and extra-curricular school activities. I have always believed strongly in the public school system and I have worked hard to support it.&emsp;&emsp;Twelve years ago, I headed up an election campaign for the existing school board members who were advocating for building the Avonworth Primary Center when the need for that school building was being challenged. We won that election and the APC was built! A few years later, I was appointed to the School Board and have been re-elected twice. I am now serving as the President of the School Board to provide strong balanced leadership as we go through this COVID era and take on future challenges!&emsp;&emsp;O'Connor: My son, Jack Salisbury, is an eighth grade student at Avonworth and has been since kindergarten. I have been involved in fundraising, class projects and various volunteer opportunities. As a parent, homeowner and taxpayer, I have a vested interest in the development of our children and our community. &emsp;&emsp;O'Neil: I have two sons in Avonworth School District at the primary and elementary schools. I believe that being involved in the school district is a great way to engage in the community where I live. As School Director, I would represent all of the students and parents so we can take steps forward in the future with engagement and transparency. &emsp;&emsp;Scott: After the past year, Donnell would respond with: "Who in their right mind would want to subject themselves to the vitriol I have witnessed by some members of our community during virtual board meetings–particularly during the pandemic?" Donnell's greatest strength is an ability to connect and communicate thoughtfully, and respectfully with people of differing opinions. Both of which he feels are absent at present. It is his passion for thoughtful and respectful communication that compels him to run for the school board.&emsp;&emsp;Stewart: I ran for the School Board in 2005 to help the district develop a comprehensive plan for the future given the explosion of the Avonworth community population. Working with Eric Templin a former Avonworth board member, we Co-Led the Board Buildings & Grounds Committee that was chartered to design, budget, and build the new Primary Center which opened in 2014 on budget and on schedule. Eric and I spent more than 7 years co-leading this committee from inception to completion. We were very proud that we were able to control the overall cost of the building in order to meet the needed fiscal responsibilities of managing the budget and respective taxpayer property tax rates.&emsp;&emsp;Today, as part of the most recent Avonworth Strategic Planning process, we have identified the need to expand our campuses once again to meet the growth needs of our community. As the only sitting board member to lead a major building project, we will need to design, budget, and build an expansion of our High School/Middle School campus.&emsp;&emsp;Finally, the other major interest that led me to running for the school board is to help the board, administration, and our great teachers focus on creating the right learning environment for our children. Today, Avonworth consistently ranks as one of the top performing school systems in Allegheny County while having one of the lower property tax rates.&emsp;&emsp;Tokar: Our children are involved in the school's music program as well as the technical education offered through Beattie. Since Avonworth supports a Curriculum that values the importance of the music program and its positive impact on a student's academic performance and social skills, I believe my leadership and work with the band booster board to support the music directors, students, and parents is an integral part of our district's efforts towards excellence. ABBA's booster support helps reduce the cost for students on band expenses, which in turn increases our participation, so I fully understand how vital are the inter-relationship between booster parent groups and the school in order to maintain and strengthen all of our arts, athletics, and academic programs.&emsp;&emsp;Our daughter enjoys the ability to attend Beattie's cosmetology program which allows her to build technical skills toward her long term career path for a fragrance and cosmetics marketing degree in NYC. Since Avonworth recognizes the importance of the variety of these types of student academic programs, and I myself have witnessed the success and value of these skill building programs, I want to work with the district to further expand these initiatives. Working with the curriculum committee to expand the Beattie tracks that our college bound students can also take part in, would be an additional focus of mine, if elected. Educational opportunities shouldn't be "either or" decisions; I think we need to collaborate to find a way to provide both knowledge ANDtechnical skills, giving our Avonworth graduates an advantage as they embark on their chosen careers paths.&emsp;&emsp;The school's strong academic, arts and athletic programs make it an attractive district for families in the Pittsburgh area. It is small enough to have a real sense of community and can provide a more personalized and caring experience for our students. Education should never be "one size fits all"; and as we experience newly projected growth across the district, it's more important than ever to build more programs that are able to meet different needs, while maintaining a more "boutique-like", personalized and connected individualized education experience for our children. I believe with my background in making data driven decisions, I can help the district focus in the most impactful areas to make substantial differences in our students' success. Being a smaller size district should never be a limiting factor in how successfully we can launch students onto a world career platform.&emsp;&emsp;Why are you running for a position on the school board? What skills/qualities do you possess that will allow you to contribute to the district?&emsp;&emsp;Blaser: Having grown up in Ben Avon, lived in Emsworth and now currently reside in Ohio Township with my family, I believe that a vibrant, safe, community and school system provide the right conditions for children to learn the skills (academic, social, emotional) they need to be happy, healthy and productive members of society. I believe Board members need to listen to the concerns of the community they represent and to keep an open mind. My priorities for serving on the Board are: Rigorous Academics, Innovation, and Fiscal Responsibility. We need to ensure our teachers have appropriate tools to not only provide the traditional foundational skills we expect in our schools, but to also prepare our children for the world they will inherit.&emsp;&emsp;Carlson: I strongly support public education and enjoy serving on our board team to empower our administration and staff to provide the best education to each and every student. The next four years is of critical importance to our school district as we look to recover from this year of COVID, while also make decisions around a building project at the secondary school level, and negotiate renewal of important labor contracts. Over the last ten years of serving on this board, we have been able to make strategic improvements in the Avonworth Schools while balancing fiscal responsibility for the good of all our community members. One of my qualities that I am already using to contribute to this district is effective leadership in my role as President of the board. I am running for re-election to continue to provide leadership on this board as we navigate challenges and seek to move our school district forward in the implementation of our stakeholder developed Strategic Plan.&emsp;&emsp;O'Connor: I am running for school board to be the voice of the constituents. Everyone's voice has the right to be heard. I pledge to offer transparency, trust and accountability while putting students first- all while being respectful and professional. I have extensive expertise in running meetings and staying on point. In my job I am responsible for a large budget and promise to be accountable to the taxpayers and residents, to pass a budget that promotes excellence in education and long-term financial stability. I also know and value the idea of team work and working cross-functionally. I believe this is vital to the success of any organization. I am a passionate advocate of the disadvantaged and those facing seen and unseen challenges. At my former company I was a founder of the diversity and inclusion platform and can bring those skills to further that mindset. &emsp;&emsp;O'Neil: I genuinely care about our students and the future of the District. I am organized, hard-working, and value a common sense approach to decision making. With my engineering background, I have experience working on design and construction projects, which will be a great asset to the District with the upcoming planned building development. I am prepared to make the time commitment to engage with our community, listen, and carry those perspectives back to the Board.&emsp;&emsp;Scott: Donnell believes any collection of people, body, or board should in some way reflect the community it intends to serve. The current makeup of the Avonworth School Board contains zero minorities/persons of color. For this community to move forward in a thoughtful and intentional way, other demographics must have a seat at the table. Mr. Scott can be that voice for the portion of our community that is not currently represented at the voting table.&emsp;&emsp;Stewart: With 16 years of experience on the Avonworth Board we have been able to accomplish a lot as a cohesive board and administrative team. We have been fiscally responsible with our community's property tax rates while meeting the needs of our children academically. In addition, Avonworth has assembled one of the best administration teams led by Tom Ralston and Jeff Hadley with an outstanding group of teachers and respective leaders.&emsp;&emsp;I have served on every Avonworth Board committee (Buildings & Grounds, Finance, Curriculum, PR & Communications, and Legislative) over the past 16 years and have Co-Chaired the Buildings & Grounds Committee for the past 16 years. In addition, I have been part of the Finance Committee for the past 10+ years helping ensure that we can properly manage our tax rates.&emsp;&emsp;Finally, as a CEO of several companies over the past 30+ years, I believe that I have many diverse skills needed to help the Avonworth administration and board be successful.&emsp;&emsp;Tokar: Our children are involved in the school's music program as well as the technical education offered through Beattie. Since Avonworth supports a Curriculum that values the importance of the music program and its positive impact on a student's academic performance and social skills, I believe my leadership and work with the band booster board to support the music directors, students, and parents is an integral part of our district's efforts towards excellence. ABBA's booster support helps reduce the cost for students on band expenses, which in turn increases our participation, so I fully understand how vital are the inter-relationship between booster parent groups and the school in order to maintain and strengthen all of our arts, athletics, and academic programs.&emsp;&emsp;Our daughter enjoys the ability to attend Beattie's cosmetology program which allows her to build technical skills toward her long term career path for a fragrance and cosmetics marketing degree in NYC. Since Avonworth recognizes the importance of the variety of these types of student academic programs, and I myself have witnessed the success and value of these skill building programs, I want to work with the district to further expand these initiatives. Working with the curriculum committee to expand the Beattie tracks that our college bound students can also take part in, would be an additional focus of mine, if elected. Educational opportunities shouldn't be "either or" decisions; I think we need to collaborate to find a way to provide both knowledge AND technical skills, giving our Avonworth graduates an advantage as they embark on their chosen careers paths.&emsp;&emsp;The school's strong academic, arts and athletic programs make it an attractive district for families in the Pittsburgh area. It is small enough to have a real sense of community and can provide a more personalized and caring experience for our students. Education should never be "one size fits all"; and as we experience newly projected growth across the district, it's more important than ever to build more programs that are able to meet different needs, while maintaining a more "boutique-like", personalized and connected individualized education experience for our children. I believe with my background in making data driven decisions, I can help the district focus in the most impactful areas to make substantial differences in our students' success. Being a smaller size district should never be a limiting factor in how successfully we can launch students onto a world career platform. What do you consider to be the most important issue(s) facing the district, and do you have any ideas on how to address those issues?&emsp;&emsp;Blaser: Making sure we finish the school year strong and provide our students with opportunities to strengthen any educational gaps due to the effects of the pandemic. Going forward, continued focus on the plans to expand the secondary campus with alignment to the school's strategic plan. Fiscal decisions will also need to focus on doing what is right for students and our community while being mindful of the tax burden placed on residents.&emsp;&emsp;Carlson: 1. Curriculum, Instruction, and Wellness – Avonworth is one of the top ranked schools in Allegheny County. We must continue to support our students in the next few years to strengthen their learning and to ensure that they make-up for any loss of learning from this disruptive COVID year. Students may also have some mental and emotional hurdles that we must provide support for as they transition back to school after this year of COVID.&emsp;&emsp;2. Building Expansion – The current school board and administration have been planning for a necessary building expansion for the last 3-5 years. We are now at a critical point in the process of detailed planning and building on the secondary campus.&emsp;&emsp;3. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion - In the divided culture we live in, it is vital that EVERY student and staff member, regardless of race, color, economic background, gender, or sexual- orientation feel that they can thrive at Avonworth because they feel that they fundamentally belong. Avonworth has made strides in providing a welcoming environment and we are committed to making sure it is anti-racist, but we must continue to make bolder moves forward in this area.&emsp;&emsp;4. Fiscal Responsibility – In every action we take to improve our Avonworth schools, we must also manage our school budget so that we don't negatively impact our community members' ability to afford to pay taxes. This is a never-ending balancing act for every School Board.&emsp;&emsp;While I have lots of ideas on how to address these challenges and I routinely share those in our public meetings and discussions with our administration, the most important thing I bring to the table is Balanced Leadership. As a School Board member for ten years, I have a strong respect for our administration and their expertise in the field of education, and their love for our children/students. To the "table" I bring an open-mind, a desire to listen, and ability to evaluate options. As the President, I use my Balanced Leadership skills to guide our Team of Ten towards consensus in order to make good decisions together that benefit our school.&emsp;&emsp;O'Connor: A school board's job is primarily to: set the vision and goals for the district; adopt policies that give the district administration direction to set priorities and achieve its goals; adopt and oversee the annual budget; advocate on behalf of public education.&emsp;&emsp;Our community is growing and Avonworth needs to be prepared to provide excellent education and resources to these students. We need to be proactive and not reactive to achieve our true potential. &emsp;&emsp;O'Neil: Avonworth School District has seen continued growth over the past several years. Planning needed to address growth while pushing the District to the "next level" will be a primary focus for the next 4 years. This growth requires a strong plan for the future in terms of curriculum, facility planning, classroom sizing, and resources for both students and staff to thrive.&emsp;&emsp;The community is a vital part of the District functioning as parents, families, caregivers, and taxpayers. It is important for the District to have a strong partnership with the community as they are a stakeholder in the education of the students in the District. As new initiatives are explored, the community should be informed early and often with a vehicle for their voice to be heard and considered.&emsp;&emsp;Scott: Mr. Scott believes the most important issue facing our school district today, tomorrow, and forever is the education and safety of our children; their intellectual, social, and emotional development into the thought leaders of tomorrow. "I will return the focus to those guiding principles through effective communication, transparency and inclusion; all skills I have developed and honed over the last two decades in corporate America." &emsp;&emsp;Stewart: I believe Avonworth has many challenges to face including the expansion of the school facilities to meet the community growth needs, continued focus on the educating our students, being fiscally responsive given all the PA budget/funding issues, and finally working with the community to address the many societal needs of the district from race and gender equality to the political polarization of our society.&emsp;&emsp;With 16 years of experience, I have learned a lot about each of the issues that I mentioned given none of them are new, but are ever changing. Each will take a unique approach that utilizes the skills within the board, administration and teachers as well as calling on many community leaders/members to participate with the process. Working as a collective group we can find solutions for all the challenges ahead.&emsp;&emsp;Tokar: Growth is both a huge benefit and challenge. The projected growth of the student population over the next decade requires the district to focus on the physical expansion of the facilities. As the district works on those plans, I believe the challenge of the school board will be to make sure our expansion is financially supported by solid programming. Just adding space will not bring value, so we need to be rethinking our current spaces, activating them better, and making the most of every single square foot. I also believe that enhanced facilities can provide the environment that students need to deal with physical, mental and social issues. Providing more flexible use space that can serve multiple groups is a great strategy for our district.&emsp;&emsp;Supporting our strategic plan also will be vitally important. I believe the goals for Career Readiness, Curriculum & Instruction, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Mental Health, and Culture should all remain at the heart of that plan. It is a great time to set a vision on how to design spaces that will expand on the great work of our educators, while providing a facility able to adapt to the needs of our students.&emsp;&emsp;The past year has challenged the district (and other districts) in keeping its sights on its true mission: our students. Unfortunately, the challenges of our current social environment while navigating a pandemic have sometimes interfered with the path of education. It is imperative that we remove barriers and remind everyone that all of our students must come first. We need to unite towards that goal and never stop our pursuit of lifting students to a higher playing field. I believe I can help us stay the course through collaborative methods that use data as our foundation for decisions.&emsp;&emsp;Transparency: At the same time, it is important to have transparency of our plans and all the precautions taken to ensure the safety of our community and the environment.&emsp;&emsp;Again, Communication is key, and I will work to support open communication through public forums as well as the involvement of both our parents and our students in the decision making process. Any other statement you'd like to make:&emsp;&emsp;Blaser: I am committed to working with other Board Members and the Superintendent to ensure that our school district will continue to be a safe, academically strong, innovative, environment and delivers on its mission in a fiscally responsible way.&emsp;&emsp;Visit my website to learn more and join in my campaign: http://beau.blaser.us&emsp;&emsp;I would sincerely appreciate the support of your vote in the upcoming election.&emsp;&emsp;Carlson: Being a member of the Avonworth School Board has given me an opportunity to be an active part of a team that directly impacts the community we all live in. The strength of our Avonworth schools and the success of our students impact every person who lives here. This school board election is about balanced leadership that can tackle the challenges facing the Avonworth school district in the next four years. As each person goes to vote, remember that the most effective School Board Director has a desire to serve while leaving their own personal agendas behind. It is a challenging role that requires an open mind, a caring heart for students and staff alike, and a willingness to listen, learn and govern. Good luck to all of the candidates!&emsp;&emsp;O'Connor: Avonworth is known as being "Large enough to matter, small enough to care". Our focus now on continued growth and development will have repercussions for years to come. Thank you. &emsp;&emsp;O'Neil: I would be honored to serve our community as a member of the Avonworth School Board. I want to take on this Director role to be a part of a future that will engage our students, administration, and community to build a welcoming and responsible school environment that strives for excellence. Please vote for me for School Director!&emsp;&emsp;Scott: "I believe strongly, we as a community of parents and as a school board, have lost sight of what our REAL mission should be: raising intelligent, thoughtful, and kind children while providing the best public education possible for our children. I love my children, and I care deeply for yours. They deserve a leadership team that puts them in the best possible position to become well-adjusted, confident, and dynamic young adults. Their developmental needs first must come first. Our children will be at the forefront of the decisions I make as a board member. Every. Single. Time. Our children deserve nothing less." Stewart: With the large and critical construction projects upcoming and respective budget challenges, I feel that my 16 years of board experience could continue to help the board and administration tackle these tough issues. As the only sitting board member who has tackled a construction project from start to finish is a critical skill needed at this time. Thank you for trusting in me the past 16 years and I look forward to serving our children and community into the future. Tokar: No response.