North Hills School Board 2023 Candidate: Ashley Stephens

Editor's note: Patch reached out to the candidates for North Hills School Board in the Nov. 7 general election and requested they complete a questionnaire so Ross and West View voters can be better informed when voting.

Name: Ashley Stephens

Age: 39

Residence: Ross Township

Position sought: School Board Director.Party affiliation: Democrat.

Family: Husband Mike; sons Patrick, North Hills Class of '27, and Max, North Hills Class of '34, and dogs, Tank and Bear.

Education: Oil City Area Senior High, 2002; bachelor's degree in international affairs from The George Washington University, 2006; master's degree in public policy and management from the University of Pittsburgh, 2018.

Occupation: Managing director of a telemedicine company.

Previous or current elected office: None.

Why are you running? First and foremost, I believe in public education. Strong public schools are the cornerstone of thriving communities like ours. I prefer to pursue acts of service rather than indulge in cynicism. Energized by the prospect of working with eight equally dedicated individuals, this is an opportunity to make a positive impact in support of everyone in the North Hills School District.

As I tell my boys at the start of each school year, it's not enough to do well; you must do good. School board directors are not immune to this call. They must be stewards of their districts, serving with the futures of students and communities in mind. In this capacity, there is potential to do so much good.

Our children deserve a well-rounded education, adaptable to individual needs. Our taxpayers should feel confident in their investment. Our educators, staff, and administrators need safe, fulfilling work environments where they can perform at the top of their credentials and share their hard-earned talents. Finally, as this community warmly embraced my family when we moved here nearly a decade ago, I want all other families to be equally welcomed and included.

I am running to give back to all those who have given me so much - and to pay it forward to others in the same spirit.

What is the single biggest issue facing the district? Our schools must prepare students for future success at a time when technology is advancing at an exponential rate. Covid learning loss, staffing shortages, and budget constraints further complicate this issue. In addition to meeting and exceeding academic standards, we will need a comprehensive, holistic approach to education that addresses social needs, encourages physical wellness, improves access to mental health resources, and creates adaptable citizens inspired to engage in lifelong learning.

What sets you apart from other candidates seeking this office? With robust experience in policy, management, and partnership development, I am prepared to take on the collaborative role of school board director.

I readily engage financial, human, and community resources to create value and produce results. Working in telehealth, I am familiar with operating in strictly-regulated industries, managing multimillion-dollar budgets with limited flexibilities, and addressing staffing demands in a highly-specialized field facing severe shortages. While a desire to serve and a passion for public education bring me to this race, my resume and track record of facilitating cooperative successes make me well-suited for the office.