A single candidate from one of Slippery Rock Area School District’s three regions has been locked into a contested battle in the upcoming general election on Nov. 4.

Alyssa Hickson is challenging Sara Whitman, one of three school board members representing region 3, in her reelection bid. Region 3 covers Slippery Rock and West Liberty boroughs as well as Brady and Worth Townships.

Alyssa Hickson, Democrat

Hickson is from Slippery Rock and is currently a resident of Brady Township.

She said she is a full-time parent, part-time volunteer and lifelong advocate who has educational coursework in child development and work experience in early childhood education.

She said she believes those experiences give her a valuable perspective for the board regarding developmental and educational needs of students.

Sara Whitman, Republican

Whitman is from Mercer and is currently a resident of Slippery Rock.

She said she does data management for a local financial institution and several nonprofits. She is also a parent of a recent graduate, which got her involved in school activities and volunteering at the district.

She has served on the school board for nearly 10 years, having served on the education, personnel and operations committees.

She said she’s learned the importance of spending wisely and with forethought, but believes it is only possible when highly qualified people are in place.

Hickson said she is running to bring a fresh perspective and younger voice to the board, to be a voice for families and to ask the questions that deserve to be answered for the students. She said, as a mom and advocate, she has seen where the system can do better.

Whitman originally wanted to be involved in her daughter’s education, but that grew into a desire to help all of the district’s children. She said every student should thrive and find what they are passionate about with the goal of being a productive member in their community.

Hickson said she believes the district has opportunities for improvement in communication with the school community, clarifications on some policies and procedures and flexibility in a time of rapidly changing technology. She said she is committed to holding students’ needs as a top priority and listening to students and parents alike.

Whitman said she will aim to provide teachers and staff the tools to develop their skills for lifelong learning. She said she would also look to find creative and affordable ideas to give students more opportunities to explore interests. She also said she would aim to further improve literacy.

Hickson reiterated the importance of the district working to improve communication and clarification with its community, as well as the need for the school board to listen to that community.

Whitman said issues are usually rooted in funding, as there is never enough money to provide everything the district wants. She said it is important to maintain respectful communication to find solutions to the district’s challenges.

Hickson said the department provides critical funding to all school districts, including Slippery Rock, and its elimination would be a loss of resources. This would only increase challenges such as growing class sizes, inadequate staffing and inadequate support for special education.

Whitman said she’s not sure anyone can properly predict what ripple effect the department’s elimination would cause.

Hickson said she is aware of the recent 2.25-mill tax increase and the board’s efforts to reduce spending, but it will take time to see the results of those efforts. She said the investment the community makes will be seen in the quality of both the district’s education and the future of the community.

Whitman said she will continually ask questions to consider expenses from every angle to make sure student needs are met. She said taxes are a necessary tool, but raising them should be a last resort.

Hickson said with uncertainty in funding, more flexibility and creativity will be required. She said any changes should be considered to meet changing demands and keep students as a priority.

Whitman said the district operates off a tight budget with no wiggle room. She said it will take discipline to stay within a balanced budget.

Hickson said board members should work respectfully with one another and administration.

She also said parents are partners in their children’s education, but has heard of frustration when communicating with the district. She said she hopes to be available regularly for good-faith conversations with community members.

Whitman said the relationship between board members is that they are all co-workers with a variety of roles and responsibilities.

Hickson said she appreciates work to bring much-needed updates to the high school for modernization, comfort and safety.

Whitman said the construction projects have brought much-needed updates to antiquated infrastructure within the district’s buildings.