Name: Rebecca BrownResidence: Adams TownshipEducation: Bachelor’s in pharmacy from Duquesne UniversityOccupation: PharmacistFamily: Jeff Brown, husband; children, Zach, Alie and Jacob

Name: Bonnie WeaverResidence: Adams TownshipEducation: No responseOccupation: Vice president sales and marketing, Weaver Master Buildings; Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway Home ServicesFamily: Bill, husband; children, Chad and Tracey; grandsons Max and Jack

Name: John KennedyResidence: Middlesex TownshipEducation: Knoch High School graduateOccupation: Self-employed over 22 years in two ranch operations of Four Seasons Game Bird Farm, an upland bird hunting preserve, and the J.L. Kennedy meat stand in the city of Pittsburgh for the retail sale of natural meats to Pittsburgh and the surrounding areaFamily: Valarie Kennedy, wife; son, Jacob; and daughters, Taylor and Mayson

Name: William PettigrewResidence: Adams TownshipEducation: Doctorate of Education, Penn State UniversityOccupation: President of Accu-Temp Inc.Family: Wife, Debbie; four children and six grandchildren

Name: Amy NassifResidence: Adams TownshipEducation: West Mifflin High School, West Mifflin; Bachelor’s in psychology from Arcadia University, Glenside, Pa.; Master’s in physical therapy from Slippery Rock UniversityOccupation: Physical therapist, St. Barnabas rehabilitation departmentFamily: Husband, Robert, and two children in Mars schools, Olivia and Julia

Name: Patrice TomcikResidence: Adams TownshipEducation: Bachelor’s in physical anthropology, A.S. Nuclear Medicine TechnologyOccupation: Field organizer, Moms Clean Air ForceFamily: Justin, husband; and sons Conor, 11, and Carson, 9

Name: Steven BoggsResidence: Middlesex TownshipEducation: Associate degreeOccupation: Owner of Boggs ConstructionFamily: Lori Boggs, wife; Christopher Boggs, son, and Casey Boggs, daughterQUESTION: Why are you running for school board?BROWN: Educating our children is one of the most important responsibilities we have as parents and a community. As a voice of proven experience, I’m seeking re-election to advocate for our Mars Area students and to represent the taxpayers with a fiscally conservative approach.I’ll continue to promote academic achievement for all students through a rigorous curriculum and effective instruction, by expanding innovative opportunities for students and staff and by providing a safe, supportive learning environment.WEAVER: I’m seeking re-election to maintain and enrich our quality educational programs while respecting the local investment of taxpayers. As a businesswoman and grandmother of Mars students, I’m committed to student achievement and workforce readiness, yet I’m sensitive to those in our community who are on limited incomes.I also serve as president of the Mars Planet Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization committed to securing private funds to underwrite programs that directly benefit our students.KENNEDY: Some reasons I am running for Mars school director are to be highly involved in the management of school affairs as my three children attend the elementary, middle and high schools. I encourage open communication on a regular basis within the district to promote the highest level of quality education Mars will demand and expect.Bringing my past four years of board experience will continue the new technology and maintain highest safety standards.PETTIGREW: I am running for election because I wish to continue to serve on a team of school board members, administrators and staff who provide safe schools, quality education, and fiscal responsibility to the students, parents and taxpayers of the Mars School District.NASSIF: As a parent, I strive for open dialogue and transparency between the community and school board. As an elected member of the board, I will respect the parents and community by allowing the Mars schools to excel while maintaining desirable low taxes. I appreciate all the voters who came out for the May primary. Their strong support motivates me to continue speaking with our supportive parents and community about changes in the growing district.TOMCIK: My two sons attend the elementary school, and I want to take an active role in moving the district forward and taking education to an exceptional level of learning and growing. This would give the children tools they need to have the cutting competitive edge in our global environment. I am the candidate to represent the community on the school board and am committed to quality education, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.BOGGS: I am running to continue working with the administration and faculty to help the students fulfill their maximum potential. Also, to help prepare students for college, trades or employment after graduation. Work to maintain and improve on buildings and grounds and the advancements with technology.QUESTION: What do you consider the pressing matters facing your school district? How would you address them?BROWN: The school district will continue to face funding challenges, including those related to rising PSERS (pension) and health care costs, special education expenses and cybercharter reimbursement.Also, there are new unfunded mandates, such as the teacher/principal evaluation system, that require time and money investments. With common sense, data-driven decision making, I will work collaboratively to balance these budget realities within our means while responsibly addressing enrollment growth, curriculum revisions/enhancements, expansion of 1:1 technology initiatives and continuous improvements for safety.WEAVER: In addition to responsibly managing the financial challenges related to health care and pension increases, I plan to work to continue the evaluation and expansion of curricular offerings, including more AP and CHS courses; support the districtwide technology integration program; upgrade security infrastructure and protocols; and promote the importance of technical/vocational training. Also, I look forward to working with our recently hired superintendent.KENNEDY: The most basic and fundamental matter facing every district today is to maintain the highest safety standards for students and staff. Schools need to implement and utilize the latest modern security measures at each building to ensure utmost safety is attained in light of our changing world. Additionally, it is my plan to work with Dr. Shipley in positive and productive communication. Mars needs to ensure a seamless transition for our new superintendent.PETTIGREW: The most pressing matter is the lack of financial support from the state, which is needed to provide quality education and services for our school district. Currently, the lack of a state budget is adversely impacting school districts.I will advocate to end the funding crisis by working with professional education organizations, many of which I have served in leadership roles and on executive boards, as well as with elected legislators and concerned community members.NASSIF: Inconsistent state funding, mandated educational requirements, and pension contribution affect the district each year. I will continue to advocate at the local, state, and national level on behalf of our children, district employees, and community to minimize the impact on our district. In addition, the district is growing and diversifying exponentially. I will foster community input and cultivate administrative expertise to realize the maximum potential for each student and the entire district.TOMCIK: An issue I see in the present and future is the growth of our community with new families moving into the district and there will be a significant increase in student enrollment. Planning and preparation for this increase is important so that the education of the children is not disrupted. I would like to see more funding and concentration on gifted and special needs programs, enrichment programs, and the district needs a pool.BOGGS: Some pressing issues at Mars are the explosive growth of new construction in the district. We must keep an eye on the enrollment number then make changes as needed and maintain a reasonable student/teacher ratio. Another issue is the student and faculty safety and security. We should constantly review our safety and security measures with local law enforcement and security companies and work toward their recommendations to make any changes to our buildings.