Primary Election: Northgate School Board

There are five four-year seats and one two-year seat that will be filled in the Northgate School Board elections this year. Primary votes for cross-filed candidates could wrap this up next week, or the vrace could wait until November for a final decision.The candidates are:Tim MakaturaDr. Makatura, from Bellevue, was appointed to the board last August to fill a vacancy. A psychologist who works as a clinician and a college instructor, he holds a bachelor of arts degree in psychology, a master's degree in guidance and counseling, and a Ph.D in psychology.He has been active with the local Boy Scouts, serving as past scoutmaster and a committee chairman for Troop 226. He also has volunteered with the Knights of Columbus and the Northgate Band Boosters.Brigitte Blazier JacksonJackson, from Avalon, is a 1999 graduate of Northgate High School and earned a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of Pittsburgh in 2005. She is an active member of Bellevue Christian Church, where she also volunteers, and has volunteered with last year's Improve the 'Vue project and the Bellevue Health & Safety Day.Jackson was appointed by Avalon Council to serve on the Tri-Boro Planning Commission.Ron CoderCoder, of Bellevue, is the regional manager for development -ministry for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Holding a bachelor of science degree from Penn State University, he is a member of the YMCA board, the Eagle Scout review board, and the planning committee for Improve the 'Vue.He is the husband of Bellevue Council president Kathy Coder.Yvonne SentnerA registered nurse at UPMC Passavant, Sentner, of Bellevue, earned an associate degree in nursing from CCAC, a bachelor's of science degree in nursing from Waynesburg University, and currently is working on a master's degree in nursing and business administration at Waynesburg.Sentner is a former Girl Scout troop leader, and volunteered at the Northgate Band Festival.She is the wife of Bellevue Police Chief Matt Sentner.Daniel O'KeefeO'Keefe, of Avalon, has served several terms on the Northgate School Board: 1996-97, 1999-2003, and since 2007. He currently serves as the board vice president and chairman of the finance committee.Employed as a project manager, he has a bachelor of science degree in business management from the University of Pittsburgh, and a certificate from the Professional Purchasing Program at Duquesne University.O"Keefe's community service has included volunteering as a member and officer of the Knights of Columbus; as a member ofb the board of governors for the North Hills Arts Festival, for which he has been a past president ); and work with Holy Family Institute and the Northgate Band Boosters.O'Keefe made the following statement:"As we are faced with even greater challenges in education from charter schools to vouchers; from standardized testing to student progress; and from local and state funding concerns, I have the experience to be an effect advocate for our students and for our communities. The next four years will define Northgate School District, along with Avalon and Bellevue, for many years into the future. I have accumulated the knowledge and experience necessary to make a true contribution to our future."I am currently in my ninth year of service to the communities of Avalon and Bellevue as a member of the Northgate Board of School Directors. In that time, I have interacted with experienced board members from Northgate and other districts throughout the state. I have taken opportunities to attend training sessions, workshops and conferences to augment my knowledge of educational practices, laws and regulations and have invested countless hours in deepening my understanding of the financial situation of the Northgate School District. I have been, and will remain, an acitve member of the board beyond just attending a monthly meeting.Shannon SmitheyDr. Smithey is an associate professor of political science and sociology at Westminster College. The Bellevue resident holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Southern Methodist University, where she was Phi Beta Kappa, as well as a master's degree and Ph.D. from Ohio State University. She has served as an AP grader for the government and politics U.S. exam.She was elected to the Northgate School Board in 2007, and has served on the student affairs committee since then. She also is a member of the food service committee, and Northgate's representative to the A.W. Beattie vocational school. She served on Beattie's building and grounds committee during the recent renovations, and was the chair of Beattie's legislative affairs committee.She has been quite active with local youth, volunteering as a soccer coach for the YMCA and in Brighton Heights, working with the Bellevue Elementary PTO and as a first grade reading coach leader at Bellevue Elementary and a forsensics tournament judge. She helped start Bellevue Elementary's Spanish club, and has volunteered with the Girl Scouts and for A Welcome Break pre-school.At Westminster, she sponsors the Pi Sigma Alpha national political science honorary, and the Sexual Assault Task Force, which raises awareness of and attempts to prevent sexual assault. She served as a judge for Westminster's model United Nations competition.Smithey made the following statement:"The reduction on state funds proposed by the governor will hit districts like Northgate the hardest. Districts that can afford to absorb these cuts most easily are slated for smaller reductions than those that are proposed for us. Residents of smaller and less affluent districts like ours need to mobilize to protect our children's future. We must also press for greater economic efficiency. In deciding where to cut back, we must stay focused on our key mission, which is to provide our children with an excellent education. If we cut back too much on early elementary education, for example, we will certainly have to spend more on remedial education in the long run."Gary PaladinPaladin did not repond to a request for information. About the Author Connie Rankin