Shaler Teacher Seeks Seat on North Hills School Board

A Ross resident, who is a teacher in the Shaler Area School District, is running for a seat on the North Hills School Board.

"The role of school board is not to run the schools, but to ensure that the schools are well run," said Jason Pirring. 

Below is Pirring's statement announcing his candidacy:

Biography

As the father of two young children that are approaching school age, my concern with education in the North Hills School District is growing. As a teacher at a neighboring district, I understand the needs for students and faculty. I am committed to seeing that the children of North Hills receive the best public education in the state. I believe that our educational system is critical for the growth and success of this District and our children. With your vote I will be the voice of this community and insist that our children's education comes first.

About Me

Philosophy of Education:
These are challenging times for public education. Members of the North Hills School Board take on one of the most important responsibilities that can be assigned to any citizen – helping to plan the education of our community’s youth. As a teacher, I recognize that parents, students, the community and public school system all share in the responsibility of public education. 

What separates me from other candidates is my background in education. I have been a teacher at Shaler Area School District for seven years, providing me with first hand experience on what goes on inside the classrooms. For example, the decision of the School Board to increase classroom sizes affects the students and the community in several ways. With a larger classroom, there is less time to spend on individual attention. With a smaller class there is greater opportunity for student participation, which also will create better student performance and fewer discipline problems. Some candidates look at education as a business; I on the other hand look at it as a critical path in a child’s development that cannot be compared to the handlings of those within a corporation.

As a parent of young children approaching school age, my desire for an excellent education for my children has become my motivation to run for school board. With your vote, I will make sure that my children and the community’s children will have every opportunity to reach their full academic and social potential.

Pirring is a 2001 graduate of Shaler Area High school. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education, Secondary Education and History from Slippery Rock University.

Other Candidates

Pirring will face three incumbents who are seeking reelection, Sharon Schrim, Kathy Reid, and Tom Kelly. Incumbent Tim Burnett's term expires at the end of the year, but he is not seeking reelection, according to North Hills Communications Coordinator Amada Hartle. 

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