Hermitage school candidates aim to maintain standards

May 8—HERMITAGE — Six candidates are running for four nominations to Hermitage School Board. All five candidates are cross-filed on the Democratic and Republican tickets. The top four finishers in the May 18 primary will earn nominations for the Nov. 2 general election.

Bucci

Candidate Andrew Bucci graduates in a few weeks from Hickory High School. But he has already built up a political resume.

Bucci's work experience includes interning for Rep. Mike Kelly in 2018, interning for the Pennsylvania GOP in 2018, interning for the Republican National Convention in 2020, and serving as Mercer County campaign chair for Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity.

Bucci said he is running because, as a day-by-day student, he sees and hears things at school most parents, teachers and administrators may not. If elected, Bucci said students would have someone who understands their issues, having been a recent student.Bucci said his most important issues include educating students on the opioid epidemic and improving transparency.

Ferguson

Candidate Melanie Ferguson has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Grove City College, a master's degree in forensic psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, about four years teaching at the post-secondary level, and about 12 years combined therapeutic experience working with young people.

Ferguson said she is running for school board because of belief in supportive leadership to empower teachers, which creates an educational environment of both trust and and achievement among students.

She said the most important issue is school board transparency, providing all legally allowable information to the public, to engender trust and making attendance at meetings as accessible as possible.

Hermitage would also benefit from increasing partnerships with organizations associated with the skilled trades.

Hand

Steven Hand, now in his fourth year with the Hermitage school board, is seeking a second term.

His experience includes a doctorate of osteopathic medicine from Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and a masters degree in medical education from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Hand decided to get involved with the school board because he had children enrolled in the district and wanted to help improve to the school district.

Hand said he was proud that the board, administrators and teachers were able to safely offer in-person instruction during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving forward, Hand said it would be important for school officials ensuring that students can attend classes in-person as much as possible.

Kizak

Timothy Kizak, school board president, is seeking re-election Kizak received his associates degree in science from Penn State University and a bachelor's from Geneva College.

Kizak said he is running for reelection because he hopes to continue a what he called a "great" working relationship with superintendent Dr. Dan Bell, administration and staff. He said the district must continue providing a high-quality education in a financially responsible manner.

Ristvey

Matt Ristvey, the current board treasurer, is seeking reelection.

Ristvey is a lifelong resident of Hermitage and a graduate of Hickory High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in business from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Ristvey said he is running for reelection to continue employing his background as a local business owner to assist the board and Hermitage schools.

For Ristvey, the most important issue is maintaining the best and safest public school experience for the students in a fiscally responsible manner.

White

Joseph White, a 1983 graduate of Hickory High School, is in his eighth year on the school board. White's children have attended Hermitage schools as well.

White holds degrees in mechanical and civil engineering from Lafayette College. He said that experience has helped him provide guidance on the board's building and grounds committee.

White credited the district administration with doing a "phenomenal" job of maintaining high standards, particularly through the "AAA" program which emphasizes the importance of arts, athletics and academics.

White said one of the most important issues will be to maintain in-person instruction.