Position sought: Quaker Valley school director

Phone: 412-741-3400

Address: 1445 Beaver Road, Sewickley, PA 15143

Family: Husband, Richard

Education: One year, University of Pittsburgh

Occupation: Retired

Related experience: School director in Quaker Valley for 12 years - 1997-2009;
Glen Osborne borough auditor for six years in the 1980s.

What is the primary reason you are running for this office? I bring 12 years of experience and dedication to the table as a former Quaker Valley school director. My main goals are providing a world-class basic education to students and keeping spending and taxes under control.

What will be your single most important priority if you are elected? "Education" is my priority, and spending cuts should be made elsewhere, in areas where "wants" and "desires" should take a back seat.

On Jan. 5, all eight board members voted for a new teachers contract -- giving automatic pay increases of approx. 1.95 percent for 2011/12 and 2.4 percent annually for the balance of the contract which will expire June 30, 2015. In addition, employee health insurance premiums will increase by approx. 15 percent for family coverage, reaching $145 per month in the final year of the contract.

Voting "yes" on this contract was not a good idea in an economy where taxpayers are losing jobs and health care benefits as well as losing their homes. Many under-employed taxpayers would be delighted to pay a mere $145/month for family health care.

What sets you apart from the other candidates? I am a former board vice president and Parkway West CTC representative and secretary and have a working familiarity with the school budget and "aid ratio." My commitment to the district is without question, and as a former board member I will pick up where I left off two years ago - voting "yes" for good ideas and voting "no" for bad ideas and questionable spending proposals.

What's your favorite thing about the school district? No answer provided

What is the biggest problem facing the school district? Money is the biggest problem facing school districts. In today's economy, combined with recent education cuts from Harrisburg, tough spending decisions have to be made.