Seven candidates will face off for four four-year terms on the Mars Area School Board in the upcoming general election on Nov. 4.

One of those candidates, Democrat Robert Vigue, is vying for a four-year term, but is also on the ballot competing for a two-year term against Republican Jennifer DiCuccio.

The following are bios for all seven candidates competing for four-year terms and the questions and responses from all candidates who answered them.

Madelynn Marburger Barkley, a lifelong resident of Adams Township and 2007 Mars High School graduate, works as a senior manager of state tax compliance and reporting.

After earning her degree from Penn State in 2011, she built her career in public accounting and corporate finance, specializing in corporate taxation for large multinational companies. Barkley and her husband chose to raise their family in Mars, where she says the community offers strong opportunities for families and children.

Matthew Duff, a Middlesex Township resident and Mars Area parent, has lived in the district for 11 years.

A former federal agent and criminal investigator, he now serves as a sworn law enforcement officer overseeing UPMC’s Corporate Fraud and Investigations Program within the Office of Compliance, Ethics and Audit Services. Duff, who grew up in Sarver, lives with his wife — a kindergarten teacher in the district — and their two children who attend Mars schools.

Joseph P. Joswiak, a retired Mars Area health and physical education teacher, lives in Adams Township with his family.

Originally from Ross Township in Pittsburgh’s North Hills, Joswiak spent 35 years in education before transitioning to business ownership. He now operates Camp Trees Landscaping, continuing his involvement in the local community following his long career in the district.

Michael Bordt is a lifelong Mars resident and Adams Township police officer.

A graduate of the local high school, Bordt says his career in law enforcement has strengthened his commitment to safety, responsibility and public service. As a parent of two children in the district — one currently enrolled and another soon to start kindergarten — he hopes to help ensure Mars schools continue to provide a secure and supportive environment where every student can succeed.

Robert Vigue, a lifelong Valencia resident, lives on the same property where he grew up after moving there with his family in 1971.

A 1975 Mars High School graduate, he went on to serve 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, including four as an electronics and avionics instructor, a role that he says deepened his appreciation for education and helping others succeed.

After retiring from the military, Vigue returned home to work in information technology and has remained active in community service, including nine years on Valencia Borough Council. He currently serves as vice president of both the Butler County Federated Library System Board and the Mars Area Library Board.

Amanda Salkeld, originally from Elizabeth, has lived in the Mars Area for more than a decade and resides in Middlesex Township with her husband, Nick, and their two young sons.

She works as an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Finance Manager at MSA Safety in Cranberry Township, overseeing compliance with domestic and global ESG reporting standards.

Salkeld has been with the company for nearly 10 years, previously holding roles in investor relations and internal audit after starting her career in public accounting. Her oldest son will begin Planet Preschool in November, and she says she’s committed to ensuring Mars schools continue to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for all children.

Salkeld chose not to answer the questions posed to all candidates and instead referenced her campaign website, amandasalkeldformars.com.

Middlesex Township resident Justin Miller has lived in the community for 22 years and owns an excavating business he’s operated for nearly two decades.

As a current member of the Mars Area School Board, Miller is serving his fourth year on the board and also represents the district on the Butler County Vocational-Technical School Joint Operating Committee.

He has been involved in projects including the Mars Area Elementary expansion, construction of new tennis courts and the negotiation of support staff contracts. Miller said his background in construction and business management has been valuable in overseeing district projects and operations.

Duff: “I am proud to serve on the Mars Area School Board. I have backed budgetary responsibility while fighting for academic success and fighting for systems which enable parents to participate in their children's educational process.

“I believe the educational system should concentrate on academic excellence, practical competencies and local values. I will maintain my support for teachers while defending parental rights. The district holds great value for me because I will always act in the best interest of students, their families and taxpaying residents.”

Barkley: “I decided to run for school board to be involved in the district and give back to my community and to continue my family’s history of public service.”

Vigue: “I decided to run for the school board because I believe that strong public schools are the foundation of a healthy, thriving community. As a community member, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges our schools face — from overcrowding to funding concerns. I want to be a proactive voice who brings transparency, thoughtful planning and student-centered decision-making to the board.”

Joswiak: “I want to continue to make a positive impact in the lives of students and community members. I would be honored to serve our community as a future school board member.”

Bordt: “I’m running for school board because I’m motivated to make a positive difference in our schools and our community. As a lifelong resident, a parent of two children — one currently in the district and one soon to start — and a police officer who has served as a School Resource Officer (SRO) inside our school buildings, I bring a unique perspective that reflects both the needs of families and the realities faced by staff and students every day.

“I care deeply about the safety and education of everyone in our schools. I want Mars to be a place where students are inspired to learn, staff are proud to work and families are confident in the direction of our district. That means raising morale, supporting our teachers and staff, and holding leadership accountable to make informed, transparent decisions.

“Our district is growing, and with that comes real challenges — like managing expansion, maintaining high-quality education and keeping our schools financially sustainable. I’ve noticed over the past few years that some key information isn’t always making it back to the board, and that’s a serious concern. School board members must have the full picture to make the best decisions for all stakeholders. I want to ensure we are asking the right questions, getting the necessary details and keeping the best interests of students, staff and taxpayers at the center of every decision.

“I am a fiscally responsible Republican who happened to win the Democratic nomination, but my focus is not partisan — it's about protecting the long-term financial health of our district. I want what's best not only for my own children, but for every child in the Mars Area School District. If elected, I will bring a grounded, informed and community-focused voice to the board — someone who has walked the halls, listened to the concerns of staff, and understands what’s happening on the ground.”

Miller: “I wanted to ensure a good environment for my kids to learn. To help with the current expansion. I wanted to give back because I have been blessed in many ways in my life.”

Duff: “I will maintain my backing for three main initiatives: The budget system must operate with fiscal responsibility toward taxpayers, however, not at the expense of the educational experience for our students. I will continue to encourage direct, open and truthful communication with all members of the community, parents and students. The educational environment needs to stay free from political influence to allow students to concentrate on their studies.”

Barkley: “My goals if elected, are to help the district position itself strategically to accommodate the continued growth of the area, while maintaining everything that it means to be ‘from Mars.’”

Vigue: “Support academic excellence by investing in high-quality teachers and resources. Ensure schools remain safe, inclusive and welcoming for all students. Plan responsibly for future growth, so that facilities and staffing keep pace with enrollment. Strengthen communication and trust between the district and the community.”

Joswiak: “I would like the school board to be more transparent, honest and accountable with the taxpayers' hard earned money. I also believe we need to improve school day efficiency which should reduce after school workload for students and parents. I will make a concentrated effort to improve the morale of all staff members and employees of the district.”

Miller: “Finishing the MAE expansion. I would like to negotiate a successful teacher contract. Keep our costs at a minimum yet provide an excellent education for the kids.”

Bordt: “If elected, I will work to: Keep our schools safe by drawing on my firsthand experience in school buildings and prioritizing the well-being of students and staff. Support students, teachers and staff by improving morale, fostering pride in Mars, and ensuring their voices are heard. Strengthen accountability and transparency so board members, families and the community at large have the full picture when decisions are made. Manage growth responsibly while maintaining high-quality education. Ensure fiscal responsibility by keeping spending under control and reinvesting in kids, staff and facilities.”

Duff: “My role as Mars Area School District school board director requires me to handle financial matters with great care. I have dedicated my efforts to maximize student and teacher support through the most efficient allocation of budgeted funds.

“My efforts to implement efficient budgeting practices and minimize wasteful spending and long-term financial planning have maintained the district's financial stability. I will continue to protect public funds while providing students and teachers with essential resources for their present success and future development.”

Barkley: “I plan to leverage my financial background by bringing creative ideas and solutions to the table and help with any budgetary constraints and challenges.”

Vigue: “Fiscal responsibility starts with transparency. I will scrutinize budgets to ensure spending directly benefits students, staff, and long-term infrastructure. While I support keeping the tax rate stable, I also recognize the need for investment in growth areas. Any future tax adjustments should be community-driven and clearly tied to educational outcomes.”

Joswiak: “It is important to balance the budget and make sure the district is being responsible with the taxpayers money and eliminating wasteful spending. I would rather look into other ways of raising revenue for the district before raising the tax rate.”

Miller: “You have to look at each item in the budget. Then the board needs to decide whether or not an item is needed or not.”

Bordt: “As a fiscally responsible Republican, I believe we must be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. That starts with transparency — taxpayers deserve to clearly see where their money is going and how it directly benefits our kids, staff and facilities.

“I will push for careful budgeting, reducing debt where possible and making sure every dollar is spent effectively. Our first priority must always be balancing the budget and cutting unnecessary expenses before even considering a tax increase.

“That said, I also recognize that the district has a responsibility to provide a safe, high-quality education. If there ever comes a point where a modest tax increase is absolutely necessary to maintain safety and educational excellence, I would support it — but only after making sure there are no other viable options. My approach will always be to put students first while respecting the financial burden on families.”

Duff: “The Mars community continues to expand as a wonderful place, which creates new educational challenges for our schools to handle. As an incumbent member of the Mars Area School Board, I have supported the responsible management of school growth to provide students with proper educational facilities and resources in non-overcrowded classrooms.

“I believe in the following: Utilize thoughtful, long-term planning — the school district requires both enrollment projections and financial planning strategies to develop effective long-term educational strategies. Keep class sizes manageable — the combination of small class sizes with effective teaching methods produces better student learning results and improved teacher performance. Listen to parents, teachers, and community members — the people who spend time in our schools possess the most valuable understanding of what works and what does not.”

Barkley: “I would begin by evaluating what other districts of comparable size have done well to handle growth while maintaining educational standards. I would then evaluate their decisions to see how Mars could utilize a similar strategy to manage growth. Through the results of other districts, Mars could also learn from decisions that did not have intended outcomes. Additionally, I would utilize my financial background to find new ways to appropriate funding so the budget can fulfill our goals as much as possible without having to raise taxes.”

Vigue: “Managing growth requires both short-term solutions and long-term vision. I support proactive rezoning when needed, timely bond initiatives for new facilities and careful monitoring of enrollment trends. It's also important to ensure that each new or expanded campus is adequately staffed and resourced to maintain quality education across the board.”

Miller: “Weigh each individual need as it arises. The growth isn't going to stop anytime soon. With help from the administration team as well as outside experts we can continue to grow in stride and provide a very good education to all of the students attending.”

Joswiak: “The district needs to increase the number of staff in all areas so that the district can meet the needs of the students successfully. The district needs to offer more opportunities for our students as well. It is important that the board collaborates with the township supervisors and borough council in managing growth.”

Bordt: “The reality is that our district has been reacting to growth rather than planning for it — and now we need to catch up. To maintain high educational standards, we must take a proactive approach. That means investing in additional staff and expanding facilities so class sizes remain manageable and teachers have the resources they need to succeed.

“At the same time, we must be fiscally responsible — balancing the immediate needs of students today with long-term planning for the future. Growth is here to stay, and it’s critical that we not only spend wisely but also look for ways to diversify income sources beyond the taxpayer. With new commercial development in our community, we should be pursuing opportunities to ease the burden on families while still providing the best education possible.”

“By planning ahead, managing funds responsibly and exploring new revenue opportunities, we can ensure Mars remains a district where students thrive, teachers feel supported, and families are confident in the direction of our schools.”

Duff: “The school board maintains no authority to direct these road construction projects; however, the school board maintains its responsibility to act even though it lacks control over these projects. The school board maintains regular contact with PennDOT to achieve improved traffic management systems during school operating times.

“I have supported better communication with families because they need to receive immediate updates about any changes in school plans. I will keep fighting to establish protected school areas while improving traffic organization and enhancing planning for school facilities. Students and staff members need safe transportation to and from school while avoiding the regular traffic messes and confusing situations. This matter affects every member of our community even though it lacks attention-grabbing appeal.”

Barkley: “Yes, I think the district has handled the issue properly. They have been proactive in negotiating with the state to receive fair reimbursement related to the road construction as well as ensuring the roads are a safe distance away from the school campuses.”

Vigue: “Road construction near our schools has caused disruptions, but it's also a sign of the broader growth in our community. The district should continue working closely with municipalities and county officials to prioritize school access and safety. Improved communication with parents and staggered schedules during peak construction periods can also help mitigate the impact.”

Joswiak: “Our district has kept parents properly informed about roadway changes. Independence Excavating has exceeded my expectations on the road work.”

Miller: “The road construction will be a great improvement to the accessibility and safety of the students and staff. The district has dealt with the construction excellent.”

Bordt: “The truth is, the road construction was necessary to keep up with the growth in our area. This is a PennDOT-driven project, so the district has very little control over the timing or scope. In many ways, the district is forced to react to whatever circumstances are created by the construction.

“That said, I believe the district is handling it as best it can. The reality is that the community around our schools wasn’t fully prepared for the rapid growth we’ve seen, and these projects are part of catching up. Until the work is finished, it will continue to be inconvenient, but it’s something we all have to work through together.

“The district’s role should be to communicate clearly and consistently with parents, staff and especially young drivers — keeping everyone aware of closures, delays and safety concerns both on and off district property. Good communication will help reduce frustration and keep everyone as safe as possible while we wait for the long-term benefits of the project.”

Republican incumbent Jennifer DiCuccio is competing for a 2-year term. Her bio and answers are below.

Jennifer DiCuccio, a U.S. military veteran who grew up in Ohio, lives in Adams Township and works full time as a technical systems consultant.

Her background includes serving on nonprofit boards and leading a local humane society as executive director. DiCuccio says those leadership and service experiences have provided valuable perspective and helped her transition effectively into a school board role.

“I decided to run for my first term because I am passionate about our school district and I felt that the values and experience I possess, along with the strong desire to serve my community would be beneficial.”

“Continue what was started four years ago.”

“Continue doing what I have done the last four years, to the best of my ability. Make sound, informed, and wise decisions knowing that the local taxpayers fund the majority of our school, never stop asking questions and continue to be creative or seek alternative funding ideas/plans to minimize the burden on the taxpayer all while ensuring we are proving a quality education and experience to our students.”

“This is one of the biggest challenges facing our school district. If elected, over the next two years, I will continue to monitor any new growth/developments and work with administrators and board members on ensuring our class sizes do not impede upon the quality of education we provide today.”

“Many of the decisions that affected our school were decided before I was elected. I believe administration and previous board members have done the best job they could with what they were given. A bridge/walkway crossing over 228 from the high school to the MAC would have been great but since 228 is maintained by the state not the school, the state did not want to pay for that.”