8 candidates, including 4 incumbents, seek nominations to North Hills School Board

Eight candidates, including four incumbents, are running in the May 20 primary for the North Hills School Board. Seven of the candidates, including all four incumbents, are cross-filed. One will be on the Republican ballot.

Candidate Anthony Hall, who is cross-filed, could not be reached. John Hoffman Age : 64 Political affiliation : Republican, cross-filed Education : Associate degree in electronics technology, certificate in network management Occupation : Consultant, director of customer service Residence : West View Elected experience : None Why I’m running : Job one is to educate our students, but fiscal responsibility must be practiced. The spending of taxpayer funds should be focused on education as a good K-12 education sets the foundation for student success in life.



Our students should graduate equipped with the skills which will enable them to join one of the trades, continue to college or join the workforce. My promise to the taxpayers is that I will not vote for a budget which includes a tax increase. Most of the current board members voted for the largest tax increase in 10 years.

Taxpayers’ finances are being squeezed too far as Allegheny County and Ross Township have also voted for massive property tax increases. I am running for the North Hills School Board Director position to fulfill the goals of improved education and fiscal responsibility, and to bring a working man’s common sense to the board. Sandra Kozera Age : 48 Political affiliation : Democrat, cross-filed Education : Bachelor’s degree from the College of Wooster; juris doctor from University of Pittsburgh Occupation : Senior compliance counsel at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe Residence : Ross Elected experience : Two previous terms on the North Hills School Board Why I’m running : Living in a community with a strong, thriving public school district is beneficial for our students, district employees and residents.

I am running for school board to provide continued stability in the face of national and worldwide uncertainty. Stability does not mean the absence of change, but rather applying a thoughtful and measured approach to change, which I have been committed to during my time on the board. We will undoubtedly be faced with many challenges in the coming years, and I will continue to approach any challenge by listening to all sides and considering what the board’s role should be in resolving the issue.

Thank you to everyone who has supported these efforts over the years. Allison Mathis Age : 46 Party affiliation : Democratic, cross-filed Education : Bachelor’s degree, Johns Hopkins University Occupation : Client services manager Residence : Ross Elected experience : North Hills school director, elected in 2017, 2021 Why I’m running : As a champion of high-quality education, I prioritize academic excellence with a particular focus on strengthening math instruction to equip all students for long-term success. To achieve this we must remain committed to academic achievement while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

A well-rounded school director must balance financial stewardship with a commitment to student success. It is only by balancing these competing responsibilities can we ensure strong schools. During my time on the board, I’ve worked to bridge the gap between parents and the district, emphasizing communication, transparency, and trust.

I will continue advocating for a rigorous curriculum, strong support for educators, and championing the policies that help all students thrive. A strong commitment to educational excellence and a positive student experience combine to make North Hills a district we are proud to call our home. Dana Merlino Age : 42 Political affiliation : Republican, cross-filed Education : Vocational school Occupation : Small-business owner Residence : Ross Elected experience : None Why I’m running : I am seeking office because I believe the education of future generations is vital to the success of the community and the country, and I want to ensure that our programs and focus are on helping students create a good foundation and skills for long-term overall life success.

One of the biggest opportunities for growth is hands-on career readiness. I recognize a priority for enhancing programs and classes to advance job skills and life skills. North Hills already offers a great foundation for technical and skills programs.

I also believe in fiscal responsibility. I understand that it takes money to run a successful school district, but I also understand the struggles of people in our community. There have been tax increases across the board including county, township and school taxes.

I care about the people in the community and how increases affect the lives of everyone throughout the school district. Elizabeth Nease Age : 42 Political affiliation : Did not identify, cross-filed Education : Elementary education degree Occupation : Homemaker Residence : Ross Elected experience : North Hills School Board member Why I’m running : I am running for reelection because I am committed to continuing to improve student achievement while ensuring fiscal responsibility. As a parent of three daughters in the district, I am personally invested in their education and future.

I want every child in our schools to have equal opportunities to thrive academically, helping them to build a solid foundation for success beyond the classroom. Over the past term, I’ve supported and implemented strategies to support teachers and students. While progress has been made, there is still much work ahead, and I am committed to building on these achievements to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.

To achieve this vision, it is crucial that fiscal responsibility is prioritized. I am dedicated to ensuring that every dollar is spent wisely to benefit our students. I believe we can continue to improve student outcomes while being wise stewards of taxpayer money.

With your support, I will keep working to create a school system that prepares our children for the future and uses resources efficiently and effectively. Mike Santucci Age : 41 Political affiliation : Democrat, cross-filed Education : Bachelor’s degree in education from California University of Pa. (2006); North Hills High School (class of 2002) Occupation : Engineering and technology education teacher, Quaker Valley High School Residence : Ross Elected experience : North Hills School Board since 2021 Why I’m running : I am an alumnus of North Hills High School, father of two current North Hills students, a husband to a local small-business owner and a lifelong resident of Ross Township.

As someone who has taught engineering and technology education in public schools for 19 years, I am passionate about preparing students for success through hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving. I am committed to ensuring fiscal responsibility, providing teachers with the support they need to be successful, supporting the performing and fine arts, and expanding opportunities in STEM and career education. I believe strongly in the importance of thoughtful and experienced leadership that balances the needs of students, families and taxpayers.

I believe that when we invest in our schools, we invest in the strength of our entire community. North Hills is a great school district, and I am running for reelection to continue serving with transparency, integrity and a focus on our district’s long-term success. James Weiss Age : 55 Political affiliation : Republican Education : Associates degree, CCAC; bachelor’s degree, Geneva College Occupation : Technical sales representative Residence : West View Elected experience : None Why I’m running : I moved into the district in 2002.

My decision was based on the quality of the North Hills School District. I had three children that went through the school system. Through the years, I had the privilege of cooperating with several excellent teachers.

I have been a youth volunteer for many years at different positions and organizations. In my professional career, I managed a plethora of projects that were budget-oriented. It is these scenarios which will grant me the insight of being beneficial to the school board.

I have a three-tiered philosophy on how I will make my governing decisions: student growth/improvement academically and socially; developing constructive relationships with teachers/parents; being fiscally responsible with the taxpayers’ funds without raising taxes. These intentions will develop my solution of leaving the North Hills School District in a better position than what it was when I first started..