Get to know Bethel Park's primary election candidates

Editor’s note: Bethel Park Journal is only profiling candidates in contested municipal and school board primary elections. Bethel Park School Board Seven hopefuls are in the race for Bethel Park School Board and all are cross-filed on the ballot: incumbents Buffie Faes, Christina Headley, Sharon Janosik are challenged by the slate of newcomers Karleen Bileck, Eric Garland, Thomas Povins Jr. and Colleen Sokira.

Four, four-year terms are available. Here are the candidates and their answers to the questions posed by TribLive. Buffie Faes Age : 53 Political affiliation : Cross-filed as Democrat and Republican Education : B.



S. in elementary education, M.Ed.

in special education Occupation : Life skills teacher What is the biggest issue facing the school district? There are several uncertainties currently facing all public schools. First, the evolving landscape of education presents potential changes to our federal funding, which is a critical concern. Second, with the Common Level Ratio dropping by over 20 percentage points and rising costs, we are left to navigate how to balance our books moving forward.

Lastly, we must consider the broader financial impact on our community — specifically, whether we can continue to fund the programs that Bethel Park students and families have come to know, appreciate and expect. While many of these uncertainties remain to be addressed, I believe we are well-positioned to tackle the financial challenges, especially regarding the third concern. Sharon Janosik Age : 55 Political affiliation : Cross-filed as Democrat and Republican Education : B.

S., organizational communication and leadership, Duquesne University Occupation : Project coordinator, Parent Education and Advocacy Leadership (PEAL) Center What is the biggest issue facing the school district? Balancing fiscal realities with the needs of all students is the biggest challenge for not only our district but all public schools. Local school boards do not control school funding mechanisms at the local, state or federal levels.

There are constant challenges, from the reductions in assessed property values to threats of changing funding structures or withdrawal of funds. By focusing on student achievement and outcomes, which includes addressing the needs of every learner so they can benefit from our educational offerings, we have been able to systematically plan for bringing our facilities, curriculum and instructional practices up to modern expectations. Public schools are for all children — no matter who they are, what they look like, what they believe or where they come from — and all of them deserve to learn in safe, welcoming, encouraging and supportive schools so they can thrive, grow and achieve their dreams.

Colleen Sokira Age : 45 Political affiliation : Cross-filed as Democrat and Republican Education : B.A. in education from Carlow University Occupation : Social services What is the biggest issue facing the school district? Significant challenges include student mental health and well-being, financial pressures to meet rising education costs, and the changes happening at the federal level in the Department of Education.

The potential and unclear changes that will filter down from the federal Department of Education must be considered as we move forward in 2025. The Department of Education changes could potentially alter funding structures and policy oversight. These potential changes would necessitate strategic planning by the district to navigate a changing landscape.

Unfortunately, this will be a challenge nationwide and here for local districts. Note: The following candidates are running as a slate and chose to issue a combined answer. Karleen Bileck Age : 42 Political affiliation : Cross-filed as Republican and Democrat Education : B.

A. Hons (Honours) in elementary education, University of Greenwich, London; master of education in math and science curriculum K-8, Slippery Rock University Occupation : Elementary school teacher in a neighboring district Eric Garland Age : 41 Political affiliation : Cross-filed as Republican and Democrat Education : Computer programming and business management, CCAC Occupation : Operator e2 Lawn Services LLC Christina Headley Age : 45 Political affiliation : Cross-filed as Republican and Democrat Education: Registered nurse CCAC; bachelor of science in nursing, California University of PA Occupation: Occupational health nurse administrator Thomas Provins Jr. Age : 51 Political affiliation : Cross-filed as Republican and Democrat Education : Act 120 Municipal Police Academy at Indiana University of Pennsylvania Occupation : Operations, Pittsburgh Regional Transit What is the biggest issue facing the school district? Bethel Park schools are addressing significant challenges that require both prompt responses and careful long-term planning.

1. Facilities and transportation: We will refine plans for the new elementary school and Independence Middle School renovations while prioritizing a safe learning environment and pursuing solutions to the bus driver shortage. 2.

Academic recovery and enhancement: We will develop programs to close learning gaps from covid-19. While Core Knowledge Language Arts has improved reading scores, we’ll focus on boosting math proficiency. Expanding STEM opportunities will ensure a well-rounded curriculum.

3. Communication Improvements: We will share concise board meeting summaries and utilize ParentSquare to keep families informed. 4.

Teacher Support: We will invest in professional development and maintain a positive, secure work environment for all educators. Municipality of Bethel Park Open municipal positions only have two contested races: the Ward 1 Democrat Council race has current council vice president Joseph Consolmango facing newcomer Diane Ford for one open spot on the November ballot. Ward 5 also has a contested Democrat council race with incumbent Joe Janosik and newcomer Lori Walsh seeking their party’s nomination.

Here are the candidates and their answers to the questions posed by TribLive. Mayor of Bethel Park Jack Allen (R) and Jon Lloyd (D) are running unopposed in the primary for their respective parties. Bethel Park Council Ward 1 Democrat Joseph Consolmango Age : 70 Education : Bachelor of science degree in business, Robert Morris University Occupation : Full-time Bethel Park councilman since retiring with 45 years of management in the food services industry.

What is the biggest issue facing Bethel Park? The biggest issue facing all residents of Bethel Park today is balancing improving the quality of life for our residents and keeping our community safe without increasing municipal taxes. We need to continually improve our services and upgrade our facilities, as we have done in Miners Park. The Bethel Park Industrial Park is a tremendous asset for us and keeps our low tax rate.

I am here to do something, not be something. Diane Ford Age : 58 Education : Master’s in organization leadership; bachelor’s in business administration; associate degree in paralegal studies Occupation : Executive director of Melting Pot Ministries What is the biggest issue facing Bethel Park? The lack of resources for those facing housing, food, child care and transportation insecurities. The working people are not aware or do not have access to these basic foundational resources that will support their efforts to become sustainable.

The senior citizens do not have access to affordable assistance for basic home care, transportation and property maintenance that will keep them safe and secure in their homes long-term. There are no free or affordable programs in the municipality, that I am aware of, for children to participate in recreational activities offered. By addressing these issues, we can rebuild a sense of community and expose all community members to opportunities that could positively change the trajectory of their lives.

No Republican candidate is listed by the Allegheny County Elections Division for Ward 1. Ward 3 Republican John Oakes is unopposed in the primary. No Democratic candidate is listed by the Allegheny County Elections Division.

Ward 5 Democrat Joe Janosik Age : 54 Political affiliation : Democrat Education : Bethel Park High School class of 1988; West Virginia University class of 1993, bachelor of science in business administration with a focus on human resource management Occupation: vice president, relationship manager for the Bank of New York Mellon for more than 20 years, facilitating the largest and most complex financial transactions in the world What is the biggest issue facing Bethel Park? The rising costs of everything we do. Services to maintain our community and the costs to have a full-time staff to take care of all the services we provide our residents have all become more expensive over time. Our municipal authority sewage plant needs upgrades that also won’t be cheap.

The second-biggest issue facing our community is the pressure rising costs have on our citizens, and as members of council, we need to be mindful that raising taxes isn’t always the answer. I have always given careful consideration to all expenses because my family knows what it’s like to struggle, and I know firsthand that any additional expenses only add to a family’s burden. We have been working to streamline things and create additional savings wherever we can, but there is more work to do on behalf of the people who live and work in Bethel Park.

Lori Walsh Age : 43 Political affiliation : Democrat Education : Bethel Park High School class of 2000; bachelor of arts in communication, Robert Morris University; bachelor of science in operations management, Bellevue University; master’s in project management, Strayer University Occupation : Senior manager of WFP operations support, Verizon; employed by the corporation in many different roles since 2005 What is the biggest issue facing Bethel Park? Improved communication and transparency from our elected leaders. When we attend or watch a meeting, or access the municipality website for meeting agenda of council actions, everything is at a very high level with summary statements; little to no explanation with the reasoning or analysis behind these actions. I believe we can help gain a better understanding about what is happening in our community and communicate more effectively to our residents so they can act appropriately.

If elected, I would make common-sense communication of issues so that all residents understand. Ward 5 Republican Ray Moore is running unopposed. Ward 7 Jillian Kautzman (D) and Kevin Sheahen (R) are running unopposed in the primary for their respective parties.

Ward 9 Denise A. Galloni (R) and Ramona Stanley (D) are running unopposed in the primary for their respective parties..