Chartiers Valley School Board has five total open seats — four, four-year terms and one, two-year term. Running for the four-year seats are Mitchell Montani Jr., Megan Sexton, Julie Steele, Lisa Trainor and Herb Ohliger. Ohliger is also running uncontested for the two-year seat, according to the Allegheny County Office of Elections’ unofficial candidate list. All five candidates are newcomers. Here are the candidates and their answers to questions posed by Chartiers Valley monthly. Mitchell Montani Jr. Age: 23 Political party: Democrat (cross-filed on ballot) Education: Chartiers Valley (2016 graduate), Waynesburg University, bachelors degree in communications (2020 graduate) Occupation: Allegheny County office employee, broadcaster If elected, what are two short-term goals? I want to bring a younger voice to the discussion. Having the perspective of somebody who recently attended high school and college would be valuable on a nine-member board. This understanding of the challenges and opportunities in front of students would help the decision-making process. I would like to help upgrade some of our out-of-date facilities. A good example of this is our middle/high school track, which has required numerous repairs in recent years. Quality facilities are an important tool for our students, teachers, coaches and administrators. If elected, what is one long-term goal? I want to help all students achieve their dreams, regardless of what that dream is. There are many great jobs available in an array of fields such as business, carpentry, nursing and law enforcement. A lot of great jobs don’t require a college degree. Whether students choose to attend a university, trade school or the military, we need to support them. This mentality will allow us to send a group of smart, well-rounded and hardworking students into the world. How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I believe transparency is key. One of my goals is for each school board meeting to be streamed live, with archives available on the district website. This will give more flexibility to those who cannot regularly attend meetings in person. I also plan to be active on social media when interacting with constituents. Herb Ohliger Age: 61 Political party: Republican Education: Bachelor of Science in psychology, University of Pittsburgh; Bachelor of Science in information science, University of Pittsburgh Occupation: Computer system consultant If elected, what are two short-term goals? We need to continue to help each student reach their potential and prepare them to compete in a global marketplace whether they choose to continue their education in college, vocational school, enter the workforce or join the armed services. Chartiers Valley has a rich history of supporting the arts and this needs to continue. We also need to provide the students with tools to succeed in their chosen endeavor while being fiscally responsible. If elected, what is one long-term goal? Strengthen the fiscal posture of the district while modernizing and repairing our existing facilities. How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? I always answer my cell phone and email and make them readily available on all my campaign literature. My phone is 412-759-0682 and my email is herb138@fyi.net. I am also very active in the community and can be approached at any of the many events that I attend. Megan Sexton Age: 44 Political party: Democrat Education: University of Pittsburgh Occupation: Teacher in Pittsburgh Public Schools If elected, what are two short-term goals? To maintain the continuity of in-person instruction so that we can continue to fill in the gaps and the loss of learning that has occurred for many students due to the pandemic. Another short-term goal I have is to continue to support the administrative team so that we can deliver a balanced and equitable education to all Chartiers Valley students. If elected, what is one long-term goal? To improve our state ranking and upgrade some of our facilities so that all students and staff can work in 21st-century classrooms. How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? Since I have three children of my own in the district who are in various grades and participate in extracurricular activities, I feel this is a perfect opportunity to engage in open dialogue with many families in the community. I also plan to use social media to communicate and gain a better understanding of concerns and suggestions, making them feel a part of the decision-making process. Julie K. Steele Age: 53 Political party: Republican Education: Associates Degree in English communications Occupation: Domestic engineer coordinator If elected, what are two short-term goals? I have a vision to make our schools excel by getting back to the basics. I believe in growing and learning with the next generations, but also to keep the morals and values of our past generations. If elected, what is one long-term goal? Our students need to be knowledgeable about real-world issues so that they can be better prepared for real-world situations by bringing back the basics of economics, time management, bill paying, saving money, the meaning of a credit score and budgeting. Back to basics also includes respecting each other, respecting authority and complying with rules, laws and ordinances that have been legislated. These are steps that our students can take towards being independent young adults. How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? Communication is key; however, it doesn’t work if all parties involved aren’t listening. I would make sure everyone is heard and has time to speak their thoughts. Freedom of speech is still one of our constitutional rights in America. Lisa Trainor Age: 57 Political party: Democrat Education: Masters of Education in secondary English from Duquesne University; Masters of Education in curriculum and instruction, Point Park University Occupation: Retired Chartiers Valley English teacher/curriculum leader 9-12; part-time faculty member with the University of Pittsburgh School of Education. Volunteer for Literacy Pittsburgh and 412FoodRescue. Wife and mother of three (CV Class of 2016, 2018 and 2025). If elected, what are two short-term goals? One of my short-term goals is to bring the perspective of someone who has been on the front line implementing the decisions made by the school board. Often things look good on paper and with dollars, but not always in practical application from the perspective of those who make it happen. This may involve thinking a bit differently to achieve what is best for our students and families (and their unique needs) while also being fiscally responsible. Another short-term goal is to continue the district’s focus on providing opportunities for varied learning paths. The variety of educational opportunities at Chartiers Valley is something that sets us apart. To evaluate which of those opportunities works best for our students and expand on those to meet the everchanging needs of post-secondary demands is something that is of importance now and for the future. If elected, what is one long-term goal? I will strive to work with the other board members to bring together and support the best team possible to improve the future of Chartiers Valley. By listening to each other and hearing the concerns, we can work together to expand on what makes Chartiers Valley successful and unique. Knowing who we are and how we can capitalize on that to become a more successful and productive district is our responsibility to Chartiers Valley’s students and their families. How do you plan to communicate with constituents and involve them in the decision-making process? By being available in person, on various social media platforms and at school board meetings will hopefully allow people to have conversations about their concerns and needs as well as share updates. As a parent of a school-age child, I’m often present for activities and events throughout the district and willing to take time to listen when approached. Having the awareness of the perspectives of various members of our CV community is crucial when making decisions that will impact our children. Colleen Hammond is a Trib Total Media contributing writer.