7 in running for 5 spots on Hampton Township School Board

Editor’s note: The Hampton Journal is publishing primary election previews with candidate interviews for contested races only. Hampton Township Council has no contested races, according to Allegheny County Election Bureau information.

In the race for Hampton Township School Board, seven candidates are running for spots on the November ballot for five open seats, all four-year terms. All are cross-filed, running as both Democrat and Republican.

The following are responses provided by the candidates.

Matthew A. Jarrell

• Why did you decide to run for election? I decided to run for re-election because I still feel that I have the energy, voice and tools that will allow me to contribute to continuing HTSD’s status as an exemplary school district.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? The biggest issue we must address is and has always been balance. We must continually assess how we might better deliver education to our children while weighing those “hows” against the limitations of the community’s investment with which we have been trusted.

• Why should people vote for you? I would hope people would vote for me because I have no political agenda. I prefer to work collaboratively, and with an open mind, with other board members, the administration and our excellent educators to find and advocate for the best and most responsible course of action on every topic.

Joy Midgley

• Why did you decide to run for election? I want to continue to be a voice for the parents and community members who felt they weren’t being heard or represented. I am not afraid to stand alone when tough decisions need to be made.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? I would like to put a stop to political agendas and ideologies being infiltrated into our district that causes division between students. I want focus to be on quality education, school safety and mental health needs.

• Why should people vote for you? I am approachable. I will listen and look at all situations from many perspectives. I am not afraid to speak up or ask questions. I am level-headed and open-minded. I am fiscally conservative and believe taxpayers deserve to know their money is being allocated fairly and responsibly.

Maureen Farrell Perkins

• Why did you decide to run for election? I’m committed to the district’s continued excellence and take the financial responsibility to Hampton’s residents very seriously. My focus is to ensure students are learning 21st-century skills in a safe but challenging environment, as well as to provide financial oversight so as to maintain that excellence within budgetary constraints.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? My main focus is maintaining Hampton’s Tradition of Excellence. Staying technologically competitive and focusing on more collaborative educational methods are critical factors. Costs of these initiatives can stretch budgets, but active financial oversight will ensure taxation levels that maintain strong property values and keep Hampton a desirable place to live.

• Why should people vote for you? I’ve been a dedicated volunteer since moving to Hampton in 2012 with my five children. I am currently high school PTO president, served two years as HAEE (Hampton Alliance for Educational Excellence) president, and led Central’s PTO for two years. I’m a degreed Penn State industrial engineer experienced in budgeting and prioritization of finite resources.

Robert J. Shages

• Why did you decide to run for election? Hampton Township School District has made incredible improvements over the past decade, and I want to continue on the Board to help drive future improvements for the benefit of our students, families and community.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? Hampton must be able to provide a broad, high-caliber educational experience for all students while being financially prudent for Hampton’s taxpayers. Balancing cost and performance while continuing to make educational improvements must be our primary goal, as well as our biggest challenge.

• Why should people vote for you? I have the experience, knowledge, and drive to continue to make Hampton one of the best schools districts in the state.

Trisha Marie Webb

• Why did you decide to run for election? I have two children at HTSD, one in the special education program. As I met other parents who have students with IEPs, 504s, etc., I realized that our questions/concerns and our students’ needs and goals are often different than their peers. I wanted a voice for our students and families on the Board.

• What is the biggest issue that needs to be addressed? There is so much to worry about — mental health, safety, inflation — but we have limited financial resources available. Our students deserve an excellent education that prepares them for the future, so we need to make fiscally responsible decisions for our school and community while keeping students at the forefront of every one of those decisions.

• Why should people vote for you? From volunteering with the PTO and HAEE (Hampton Alliance for Educational Excellence) to working in a local preschool and supporting my kids in various sports and activities, I spent years getting to know our families, our schools and our community, and I want to continue representing them to ensure high-quality schools for all Hampton residents.

Byron P. Hannah II

Answers were not received as of press time.

Jenny L. Kennedy

Answers were not received as of press time.