KARNS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Karns City School District voters have seven candidates from which to choose in the May 21 primary.
They are running for five seats on the school board.
All seven candidates cross-filed for both Republican and Democrat ballots and will appear on both parties' ballots.
Dennis Kelly, James Friters, Bryan Fleeger and Matt Bishop are running for re-election. Joshua Price, William Summerville and Brenda Ealey are hoping to join the board.
The top five vote-getters from each party will appear on the Nov. 5 ballot. It is possible that all seven will make it to that ballot, as a candidate needs only to place in the top five in one party's results to make it through.
The winning five will take their seats in December for a four-year term.
Residence: Sugarcreek TownshipEducation: Graduate of East Brady High School, master's degree from Duquesne UniversityOccupation: Physician assistant at Children's Community Pediatrics in Kittanning and an assistant professor at Chatham University in PittsburghFamily: Husband, Sean Morrow, and two daughtersTop issue: Ealey's priority is continuing to provide a quality education in a cost-effective manner. Keeping technology resources current is important, as is offering innovative learning experiences to inspire students and address unique needs. The district's goal should be expanding partnerships in the community to provide resources for students, enriching their education and preparing them for the future.
Residence: BruinEducation: Electrical engineering degree from Penn State UniversityOccupation: Senior analyst at USA Compression Partners and business partner at JDP Home Performance ContractorsFamily: Wife, Amy, and two childrenTop issue: Price listed several issues. He wants to increase the integration of college transferable credit classes. He also wants to see students be allowed to attend the vocational-technical school at an earlier age. He wants to examine bullying policies to see which changes need to be made and hold accountable those not standing by zero-tolerance policies. He mentioned working on future buildings. Rising operational costs and declining enrollment means they need to look at what best serves the area. He says the district needs to balance a tight budget with good education.
Residence: Karns CityEducation: Associates degree in business from Robert Morris CollegeOccupation: Retired from the insurance industryFamily: Wife, Janice, two adult children and five grandchildrenTop issue: Kelly said the district's biggest challenge is dealing with the mental health needs of students. Students are coming to school with many needs that aren't being addressed and are affecting their ability to learn. Addressing social and emotional learning is needed, so that students' academic learning is more effective.
Residence: PetroliaEducation: Bachelor of Science in occupational health and safety management from Slippery Rock UniversityOccupation: Works in maintenance at AK SteelFamily: Married with three childrenTop issue: The biggest issue facing the district is finding a balance between providing students the best educational and extracurricular opportunities while maintaining a budget that keeps taxes affordable.
Residence: ChicoraEducation: Bachelor of Science in business administrationOccupation: Project manager for a Pittsburgh robotics companyFamily: Wife, Chrissy, and four childrenTop issue: Summerville called for more transparency in the district's future dealings. He said there are several rumors surrounding the closure of more schools and consolidation of schools. He said he wants rumors either put to rest or a clear plan laid out for how the district is going to move forward and who will be affected.
Residence: ChicoraEducation: Master's degree from Clarion UniversityOccupation: Nurse practitioner for Tri Rivers Muskuloskeletal CentersFamily: Wife, Gretchen, and two daughtersTop issue: Bishop said the biggest issue is maintaining quality programs and facilities, despite a lack of funding. The most important thing is keeping students' educational goals and safety as a priority in decision making.
Residence: Fairview TownshipEducation: Graduate of Karns City High School and Williamsport Community CollegeOccupation: Lab tester at Calumet Penreco in Karns City for 30 yearsFamily: A wife and one daughterTop issue: Friters said the biggest issue facing the school district is finding a balance between providing students the best educational and extracurricular opportunities while maintaining a budget that keeps taxes affordable.
