Residents of 2 Pine-Richland regions to see contested primaries for school board

Residents of the Pine-Richland School District will see contested primary contests in two of the district’s three regions at the May 20 primary. In Region 1, Liz DeLosa is cross-filed and uncontested in the primary. Incumbent Lisa Hillman is not seeking reelection.

Region 2 In Region 2, six candidates, including two incumbents, are vying for two seats with four-year terms. Of the six, five are cross-filed and will appear on the Democratic and Republican ballots, while one will be on the Republican ballot. Region 2 candidate Robert Stein did not respond.



Stein is remaining on both party ballots after a county judge March 31 denied objections to his nominating petitions . Michael Barber Age : 40 Political affiliation : Democrat, cross-filed Education : Bachelor’s degree in English from College of Charleston Occupation : Stay-at-home father Residence : Richland Elected experience : None Why I’m running : I am in this race to restore common sense decision-making and help get the focus back on our students. My commitment is to be a responsible steward of district resources and to listen to all voices.

I am the proud parent of four active children, and I have proudly served on the Hance Elementary PTO Board for the past three years. If you live in P-R, chances are you’ve seen me around! I regularly attend and speak at our district’s school board meetings. Having open and honest discussions with everyone in our community is what I do! And I’m ready to get to work for all P-R families.

I am asking for your support — together we can put the “unity” back in our “community!” Vote Mike Barber on May 20. Christina Brussalis Age : 50 Political affiliation : Republican Education : Bachelor’s degree in political science, Baldwin-Wallace University Occupation : Homemaker, former consultant Residence : Richland Elected experience : Pine-Richland school director, 2021-present Why I’m running : Pine-Richland has always been a good school district, but I know that we can be great. I’m 100% focused on making this happen by providing top-notch educational outcomes, great sports and strong academic clubs for all our students.

I’m also dedicated to addressing the fiscal challenges we face without over-burdening taxpayers by scrutinizing spending to keep taxes low and still meet our goals. Four years ago, I was elected to school board to give parents a greater voice and improve Pine-Richland schools. That’s exactly what we’re doing, but there is more we can accomplish.

I look forward to working together toward a better future for our students and our community. Amy Cafardi Age : 49 Political affiliation : Democrat, cross-filed Education : Bachelor’s degree, University of Pittsburgh; juris doctor, Duquesne University School of Law Occupation : Attorney Residence : Pine Elected experience : None Why I’m running : I have been a resident of Pine-Richland for 22 years. I am a product of public education, and I believe strongly in accessible public education for all children.

We have serious issues to deal with at Pine-Richland and we need serious people, with thoughtful, practical solutions to deal with them. My specific focuses will be on student safety and mental health; responsible, future focused financial decisions; and working toward excellence in all areas and at all levels. I believe that keeping special education support and class sizes and offerings at current levels is nonnegotiable.

Pine-Richland used to be known for excellence, not extremism — excellence in academics, athletics and the arts. I am running to put the focus back on our amazing students, teachers and staff at Pine-Richland instead of on the political sideshows that have brought the current board negative national attention. If elected, I will actively listen to our community and attempt to represent the interests of all involved.

Amy Terchick Age : 53 Political affiliation : Republican, cross-filed Education : Bachelor’s degree in elementary education, Penn State; master’s in education, UNC-Greensboro, curriculum and instruction Occupation : Self-employed professional organizer Residence : Pine Elected experience : Pine-Richland School Board, 2021-current Why I’m running : As a moderate Republican, I have been frustrated how the current extremists have taken over our current school board and created tension in our community and staff. In 2021, I ran because I value parents’ rights, transparency, high academic standards and fiscal responsibility. These are still my values.

Hopefully, we can create a new board composition that will bring these values back. Melissa Vecchi Age : 42 Political affiliation : Democrat, cross-filed Education : Mars Area High School, 2001; Point Park, bachelor’s degree; on track to graduate this fall from Johns Hopkins with a master’s in organizational leadership Occupation : Vice president of a local manufacturing company Residence : Pine Elected experience : None Why I’m running : I am running for the Pine-Richland School Board because I believe every student deserves access to a well-rounded, inclusive education supported by the resources they need to succeed. This includes the books in our library or additional accommodations that are unique to the students’ requirements for a successful learning experience.

As a proud parent of a soon-to-be graduate, I have seen firsthand the exceptional experience my daughter has had in the district, and I am committed to ensuring my younger son and every child has the same opportunity to grow, thrive and feel represented. I am passionate about supporting our teachers, empowering families and making thoughtful, students-centered decisions for our school. Region 3 In Region 3, the three candidates, including one incumbent, for one four-year seat are all cross-filed.

Randy Augustine Age : 52 Political affiliation : Republican, cross-filed Education : Bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics Occupation : Software engineer Residence : Richland Elected experience : None Why I’m running : Many of the current school board members appear to have a political agenda and do not represent the majority of the community. They have taken a very adversarial position in opposition to the administration, staff and community. They have shown a general disregard for and disrespect to everyone who interacts with the school board.

They promised transparency and fiscal responsibility, but have done neither. I would like to remove politics from the school board and be a representative to the entire community. I would like to work with the administration, staff, students, parents and other community members to identify and properly define the problems before and within the school district.

While I may not yet have answers to all of our problems, I want to cooperate with all concerned to find the best solutions. I pledge responsibility, respect and integrity. John Joseph Cassidy Age : 51 Political affiliation : Republican, cross-filed Education : Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Duquesne; master’s in business adminstration, University of Pittsburgh Occupation : CFO and Principal at CJL Engineering Residence : Richland Elected experience : Current board member Why I’m running : I am seeking reelection for several reasons.

First and foremost is to hopefully end the pushing of political agendas, instead of providing commonsense leadership. To be focused as a board on the library policy, which falls way down the list of important items for our district, was a colossal waste of time. We needed to be focused on our potential budget shortfall, not add a policy that includes financial risks that could potentially further our budget shortfall.

I joined the board four years ago promoting common sense and parental rights. That is still my goal today. The continued swing of the political pendulum needs to end.

We need to find and focus on middle ground. We are a public school district and there is nothing political about our children. Christopher David Griffin Age : 45 Political affiliation : Republican, cross-filed Education : Bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership and development, Geneva College; ordained minister with the Assemblies of God Occupation : Business development director, Chaney & Associates CPA Residence : Richland Elected experience : None Why I’m running : I’m running for school board to continue Pine-Richland’s academic excellence, support parental involvement and ensure fiscal responsibility by monitoring the budget.

I also have a great passion to see a diverse range of sports, clubs and intramural activities across our school district. Kate and I have four children in the district attending all four of the unique schools (lower elementary, upper elementary, middle school and high school). Each of our kids are actively involved in P-R sports like field hockey, diving, track & field, baseball, basketball and football.

I’m dedicated to making sure that every student can benefit from our sports and academic clubs, as well as receive the best academic outcomes to prepare them for the world..