The cohesiveness of the Bethel Park School Board is what will create success amid the new reorganization, according to Buffie Faes, who has served on the board for four years.
“Ninety-eight percent (of the time) we all vote together,” Faes said. “It makes us strong and that trickles down to the students.”
The board reorganized in December, electing Faes as president and Christina Headley, who has served on the board for two years, as vice president. Faes and Headley were reelected in November along with Sharon Janosik. The board welcomed newly elected Colleen Sokira.
Faes said so far Sokia is “sliding in nicely.”
Headley said that the annual reorganization helps to bring new perspectives to the board.
“It’s a great time to remember what our roles are,” Faes agreed.
As the board moves forward, they look ahead to continuing renovation projects after the recent completion of the 32-month long, $55 million makeover of Independence Middle School. The redesign included a new gymnasium, locker room area and music suite, as well as a roof replacement.
At the start of the 2026-2027 school year, kindergarten through fifth grade students will attend the new Bethel Park Elementary Center, which is currently under construction. The three-story, 280,000-square-foot building was created to hold up to 1,800 students and was designed to provide students with more hands-on learning opportunities.
“Buildings built in the ’30s and ’40s weren’t built with that kind of learning,” said James Cromie, district director of communication and public relations.
Headley said that what helps the board succeed when it comes to facilitating large-scale projects like the new elementary center is looking past each other’s differences.
“We value everyone’s opinions even if they’re different,” she said. “We work together to figure out what’s the best for our students and staff.”