Editor’s note:The Signal Itemis only spotlighting contested races in the primary election.
Candidates for Chartiers Valley School Board have an array of answers as to how they’d lead the district into the future.
In the May 20 primary election, incumbents Mitch Montani, Herb Ohliger, Megan Sexton and Lisa Trainor; and challengers Mark Dodson, Mark Fiorilli, Nancy Herzing, Erin Rodgers and Patrick Tardio are seeking to win spots on the ballot for four school board seats that will be voted on during the Nov. 4 general election.
All candidates cross-filed.
The Signal Item asked each candidate, “What is the biggest issue facing Chartiers Valley School District right now, and how would you address it?”
Mark Dodson
Age: 64
Education: Parkway West Career & Technology Center
Occupation: Retired, 37 years as sales manager in operations of point of sale systems
“As a retired operations manager, Chartiers Valley School District must bring back its former glory as a top ranked school district in Western Pennsylvania. This will only occur by working as a team of board members, supporting the administration and enabling staff to deliver instruction in the classroom.
“Academic opportunities for all students and fiscal responsibility are critical for the success of Chartiers Valley. Our students deserve the best education to prepare them for the future. A balanced budget without tax increases benefits all taxpayers, especially our senior citizens on a fixed income.
“If elected, my primary focus would be on academics and spending wisely. I have attended board meetings for the past 15 years, and through my hours of research, I discovered a water leak at the high school during construction that cost the taxpayers over $350,000, as the previous administration was unaware.
“Through my persistence, the board took action. CV must be proactive, not reactive, and together we can work on providing the resources to focus on increasing academic achievement while being fiscally responsible.”
Mark Fiorilli
Age: 42
Education: John Carroll University, B.A. in history; Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D. in 2008; The Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School (TJAGLCS), 2011
Occupation: Attorney-at-law, shareholder and secretary to the board of directors at Zimmer Kunz, PLLC
“The board recently cut teachers and staff, and approved changes to the curriculum, as well as significant spending measures without a clear strategic plan. While each measure may have merit on its own, what’s missing is a vision that ties these decisions together with a longer-term purpose. The board is making decisions in isolation, responding to immediate needs instead of planning proactively. This lack of direction is not just inefficient — it is risky. Without a strategic plan that defines CV’s priorities and goals, we can’t ensure that the budget is aligned with what we value most — academic excellence.
“I will prioritize creating a comprehensive strategic plan. I will engage with CV stakeholders — educators, parents, students and community members — and I will collaborate with the superintendent to develop a vision that sets clear goals, identifies key priorities and ensures our decisions in budget, curriculum, and staffing are grounded in a unified direction.
“It’s time for CV to shift from reactive to proactive leadership. Our community deserves that clarity and purpose.”
Nancy Herzing
Age: 46
Education: BFA from Miami University (Oxford, Ohio; magna cum laude) with design concentration; marketing minor.
Occupation: Communication and design strategist
“Trust. Without trust in our school board, we will continue to be a school district in turmoil. And to rebuild trust, we must create a holistic, strategic plan for improvement; clearly communicate it to the entire community; and then demonstrate follow-through with our decisions. This plan cannot simply be a financial budget for our $80 million district to stay solvent, but rather a multi-faceted, multi-year plan that defines a clear path forward on how we can elevate CV in both the short and long term.
“There is no silver-bullet solution to our challenges. But as a board member, I would work hard to bring fresh ideas, creative problem solving, business thinking and empathy to help the board and our administration develop a real plan that makes sense for all — our students, our parents, our staff and our community.”
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Mitch Montani
Age: 27
Education: Waynesburg University (2020), bachelor’s degree in communications
Occupation: Public access television coordinator
“The top issue facing Chartiers Valley is a lack of transparency and accountability. The district has many financial and educational challenges. When tough choices need to be made, the public should be able to trust the decision-making process. Even if they disagree with the decisions.
“In my time on the board, being open and accountable has been my top priority. I am constantly interacting with CV residents on social media, at meetings, through town halls or out in the community. As a recent CV graduate, I believe parents and taxpayers are entitled to know the reasoning for my decisions.
“Though it has lacked support so far, it is still my goal for CV board meetings to be livestreamed and archived on the district website. I would also like to see the district’s website and social media outlets be more constituent-friendly. Both could be done at little cost while improving community relations.”
Herb Ohliger
Age: 65
Education: Bachelor’s degree in information science, University of Pittsburgh
Occupation: Computer system consultant
“The last 3 years the prior administration did not raise concerns regarding falling test scores. The current administration presented five years of scores at the last public meeting showing a dramatic decline in student achievement. The district has identified the problem and is developing a plan to raise our scores. We must do better for the students.
“The superintendent recently met with students and a major concern of the students was safety. In today’s climate, this is an understandable concern. Over the last three months, the school district has been developing a plan for campus safety to include both technology and manpower. The goal is to make Chartiers Valley safe and secure to ease concerns from students and parents.
“The County and local municipalities have raised property taxes, putting a burden on homeowners. We need to make sure the district is run as efficiently as possible before asking homeowners to pay more. The district commissioned a curriculum and staffing study and used those recommendations to make cuts, avoiding a tax increase for this year.”
Erin Rodgers
Age: 42
Education: Bachelor’s degree in integrative health studies from Chatham University
Occupation: General manager
“A shocking decline in academic performance by all measurable standards paired with consistent tax increases are two of the biggest challenges our district faces. We are at a deficit financially, and from the standpoint of setting up our students for success both academically and in life.
“I am committed to doing my part to correct our course through dedication; thoughtful, prudent decision making; fiscal responsibility; and with the best interest of our students and families always at the forefront.”
Megan Sexton
Age: 47
Education: University of Pittsburgh
Occupation: Teacher in Pittsburgh Public Schools
“As both a teacher and an incumbent board member, I believe the greatest challenge facing Chartiers Valley is maintaining strong student achievement while being fiscally responsible and transparent with our community. During my time on the board, I’ve worked to align spending with student needs and ensure that resources go directly into the classroom. Moving forward, I will continue to prioritize smart budgeting, evidence-based academic programs and support for our teachers and staff.
“Transparency is key to building trust. I’m committed to clear communication and open dialogue with families and taxpayers so every decision reflects the values and priorities of our community.
“With my background in education and board leadership, I’ll keep working to make Chartiers Valley a district where students thrive, resources are used wisely and everyone has a voice.”
Patrick Tardio
Age: 48
Education: High school
Occupation: Union carpenter, Heavy High Way
“Accountability. I have three kids in the school district. With all the issues from poor construction management, child safety and education, and the financial issues our district has, I was hoping to help figure out and solve the issues.”
Lisa Trainor
Age: 60
Education: B.A., Bethany College (English/psychology); M.A., Ohio University (film studies); M.S.Ed, Duquesne University (secondary English education); M.S.Ed Point Park (curriculum and instruction, supervisory certification)
Occupation: Retired (28 years high school English at Chartiers Valley); currently in consignment sales; PIAA track and field official
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“As a district, we must come together with common goals and a vision to empower the futures of our students and our community. As a board member, I will encourage my team of nine to establish collaboration through honest, open communication which is crucial to regain the trust between the board, administration, staff, parents, teachers and the community.
In addition, there must be a commitment to open budgeting and spending practices that ensure taxpayer dollars are used properly and sustainably allocated; and to provide educators with the resources, training and support to help students thrive while in our schools and beyond our doors.”