Eight candidates, all cross-filed, are running in the May 20 primary for eight seats, four Republican and four Democratic, on the North Allegheny School Board. All of the candidates will appear on both the Republican and Democratic ballots.
Here’s a look at the candidates voters will see on the ballot:
Jesse Adams
Age: 50
Political affiliation: Democrat, cross-filed
Political experience: None
Education: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in business, University of Nevada; master’s degree and doctorate in mechanical engineering, Stanford University
Occupation: Chief executive officer of CorCom Inc.
What is the biggest issue facing the school district right now?: While there are various challenges to address, the overarching issue facing North Allegheny this election cycle is maintaining and improving the established strength and success of our schools through thoughtful, qualified and kind leadership. We want to select leaders who will most effectively leverage the district’s limited resources to support every child.
Board members need to be collaborative, responsive, logical and data-driven — all traits that have served me well through my career.
With a skilled volleyball player in my family, we moved to NA because of its distinct combination of excellence across academics and athletics, and I am committed to building upon the district’s excellence in every area for all students.
As a father, CEO, researcher, textbook co-author and former assistant professor, I bring a unique set of skills and a passion for both education and innovation to my candidacy.
Nicholas Bassett
Age: 37
Political affiliation: Republican, cross-filed
Political experience: None
Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, U.S. Air Force Academy, class of 2010
Occupation: Commercial pilot/former Air Force reconnaissance pilot with 12 years of active-duty experience
What is the biggest issue facing the school district right now?: The biggest challenge we face is a fall in state and national rankings and what that slip means for our students’ education. We all know North Allegheny is a great district, but we can’t risk stagnation.
As an experienced veteran, I know transformational leadership is necessary to represent parents in the classroom and to be the firewall protecting youth. We won’t rest on our laurels. We will foster a culture of innovation to keep pace with an evolving global economy.
We will have our ears to the ground, transparent and accountable to all stakeholders by crafting policies and curriculum. We can efficiently ensure teachers and students are fully equipped and receive the support they need to accomplish our goals.
Together, we will build a leadership team committed to excellence in academics, extracurriculars, and the well-being of all students.
Sara Ecker
Age: 37
Political affiliation: Republican, cross-filed
Political experience: None
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Robert Morris University, 2010
Occupation: Talent acquisition manager, GridGain Systems
What is the biggest issue facing the school district right now?: In a district of our size (12 schools, two administrative buildings, a community center and a stadium), it’s understandable that keeping everyone on the same page can be tough. But there’s a real opportunity to improve how our schools, families and the community connect.
Through my experience as a parent-teacher-organization leader at Ingomar Elementary, I’ve seen how easy it is for families to feel disconnected, and this affects not just parents, but our students and the entire community. Collaboration is key — among students, parents, staff, and the community.
When we communicate clearly and consistently, it ensures everyone feels heard and valued, creating an atmosphere of respect and inclusion. By fostering integrity, trust and open dialogue, we can create a safe, empowering environment where students thrive.
Working together, we can support the district’s mission of academic excellence while strengthening the foundation of North Allegheny.
Dom Gliozzi
Age: 68
Political affiliation: Republican, cross-filed
Political experience: None
Education: Bachelor’s degree in secondary education/communications, University of Pittsburgh
Occupation: Retired North Allegheny teacher and athletic coach
What is the biggest issue facing the school district right now?: Fostering and sustaining NA’s tradition of outstanding academics, arts and athletics is paramount.
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I offer extensive educational expertise, strong knowledge of our district’s operations and a sincere desire to make a difference. I also look forward to presenting the perspective of a North Allegheny teacher to decisions that our Board of Directors will formulate the next four years. As a former English Department chair, I submit extensive curriculum writing experience and advocate for a robust, nuanced curriculum.
Additionally, I look forward to investing in tangible as well as intangible goals by supporting social and emotional growth for our students. I will guide with compassion and communicate honestly with our community.
My overall mission is to offer our students the best instructional practices from the best possible staff (which we have in place now), and to ensure our teachers have all the resources needed to deliver our students a world-class education.
Paige Hardy
Age: 51
Political affiliation: Democrat, cross-filed
Political experience: School director, North Allegheny School District (2021-present)
Education: Bbachelor’s degree in psychology/English, University of Colorado at Boulder; master’s degree in psychology, University of Melbourne
Occupation: Current board vice president, constituent services adviser, community volunteer, former public health data analyst (10 years)
What is the biggest issue facing the school district right now?: As the only incumbent running, I know every school district’s biggest issue is ensuring they’re meeting the needs of all students while maintaining reasonable millage rates.
North Allegheny has a proud tradition of stretching every dollar and making the most of what we have. As a result, we’re one of the most competitive districts in the region, with one of the lowest millage rates in Allegheny County.
To maintain our strong reputation, NA must improve upon its robust academic curricula and renovate aging buildings. Preparing 8,500 students for success in a changing world is no small task, but our principals, teachers and staff manage it with grace, skill and expertise.
Preserving the tremendous value NA provides our community, through whatever financial or social challenges may come during these turbulent times, will take thoughtful leadership and board members who can use a data-driven approach to make practical, student-centered decisions.
Bill Kirk
Age: 69
Political affiliation: Republican, cross-filed
Political experience: McCandless Council, 2018-20; North Allegheny school director, 1992-93
Education: MPM, Public Management, Carnegie Mellon University
Occupation: Retired executive
What is the biggest issue facing the school district right now?: The safety of our kids is first and foremost, along with the need to improve the academic performance of all our students.
Our school district continues to grow, buildings are aging, and educational methods are evolving. Our school buildings need to keep pace with these issues.
Five of our 12 school buildings are targeted for millions of dollars in needed renovations over the near term. Meeting this challenge in a fiscally responsible manner is absolutely necessary to avoid tax increases as we face a declining common level ratio and uncertainty over future federal and state funding.
As the former director of facilities for NA, I have a record of delivering projects under budget and doing more with less. I am highly qualified to guide the critical policy decisions for these capital investments to ensure taxpayers’ money is not wasted while still meeting the needs of our students and teachers.
Jackie Leicht
Age: 55
Political party: Democrat, cross-filed
Political experience: None
Education: Bachelor’s degree in sociology, Youngstown State University; master’s degree in applied sociology, Loyola University Chicago
Occupation: Professional administrator, Temple Ohav Shalom
What is the biggest issue facing the school district right now?: As the parent of a North Allegheny graduate, I’m proud of the education and opportunities we offer our children through the work of our exceptional staff, but a high-quality education also requires safe, welcoming buildings.
Our high school buildings are particularly in need of renovations, and with 12 schools, repairs and renovations will always be necessary.
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As a professional administrator for a large, local congregation, I work with a community to ensure budgets are balanced and buildings are functional, safe and secure while remaining inviting. That skill will be a major asset to NA.
Beyond the physical buildings, children need supportive environments as we continue to cope with post-pandemic mental health challenges. I will prioritize student wellness as I make decisions. As a board member, I look forward to utilizing my skills to make smart decisions with your tax dollars as we balance the needs of competing priorities within the district.
Emily Theys
Age: 42
Political party: Democrat, cross-filed
Political experience: None
Education: Bachelor’s degree in English, Allegheny College; master’s degree in nonfiction, Sarah Lawrence College
Occupation: Grant writer, coach, community volunteer
What is the biggest issue facing the school district right now?: The biggest issue facing North Allegheny is balancing financial constraints with the need for facility upgrades, enhanced safety and maintaining educational excellence.
Our budget is tight, and facilities need improvement to provide the environment students deserve. As a grant writer in the nonprofit sector, I help organizations accomplish their mission with limited financial resources; I will utilize those skills to ensure every tax dollar is maximized.
Safety is a top priority, not just in physical security but in fostering a supportive, welcoming school culture.
As a softball coach, arts advocate and mother of two current students, I value NA’s excellence in academics, athletics and the arts. I want every student to spend time in a school climate that allows them to flourish academically and socially. By working collaboratively as board members, prioritizing fiscal responsibility and focusing on both physical and emotional safety, we can create a stable, thriving environment for all students.