What applicants told the North Hills board: mental health, fiscal stewardship and representation

In a July 13 special session to fill a board vacancy, the North Hills School District publicly interviewed 11 applicants. Candidates repeatedly raised three common priorities: supporting students' mental-health and social supports, careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and ensuring geographic representation across district neighborhoods.

Several applicants emphasized direct experience with students or schools. Jessica Price, a pediatrician and district parent, said she would bring "child-health expertise" and advocacy for children's well-being. Nicole LJoffrey, a current classroom teacher with two decades of experience, emphasized pedagogy and being data-driven. Applicants with administrative or public-service backgrounds — including Joseph Laslavic and Matthew Harvey — emphasized fiscal oversight and municipal-budget experience.

Applicants also addressed practical instructional needs. Elizabeth Neece and others singled out math achievement and the use of classroom technology as areas for attention; multiple candidates said they would review long-term budget projections before supporting tax increases. Several applicants noted they grew up in or live in Westview and Ross Township and said geographic balance on the board matters to them.

Board members used the interviews to assess not only qualifications but also whether candidates completed required application materials. The chair said interviews were meant to complement written applications and that each candidate would be discussed publicly before a vote.