Peters Township School Board: Julie Ann Sullivan and William Merrell

Julie Ann Sullivan and William Merrell are two of seven candidates running for five school board seats. All candidates have cross-filed on Republican and Democrat tickets. 

Note: This is part of a series of candidate interviews. Refer back to our previous interviews with .

Julie Ann Sullivan

• Graduated with a bachelor of arts in psychology from California State University at Northridge and received her master of business administration degree in accounting from National University in San Diego
• Worked for 30 years in accounting in the tax and financial reporting departments
• Now a speaker, trainer and teacher with a focus on communication and adapting to change
• Originally from southern California; moved to Peters 21 years ago
• Active in the school since her son started first grade, including PTA, committees and Spirit Wear 
• Worked in the libraries of McMurray Elementary, Pleasant Valley Elementary and Peters Township Middle School

What is motivating you to run a second term?

Two things. I really like our board, I think we work really well together (I know that could change because of our participants). And, I feel like I've added value and I want to continue that.

What is the board's biggest issue?

Finances. We have a budget which we think is going to be . Of course, I have a feeling that we're going to have to come up with a budget before the state does. We've had years in the past where the state doesn't have a budget until October. We have a n and I have high hopes for her. She comes from a great background in Mt. Lebanon, and I think they have the same kind of culture with students and parents. I think she will fit in very well. We have some other voids, for lack of a better word, in administration, and we are not the only people having these problems.

Another school district has the same problem, as to finding people who are really qualified. We worked around that with Frank Brettschneider (acting principal) at the high school as a contract person and it worked very well. We want to do what's necessary to make sure we are moving forward. We need to listen to individuals and make decisions for the district as a whole. It's tough, but we need to do both.

Assuming you win, what would you like to accomplish during your term?

Several things—in no apparent order. I would like to continue to think of all the taxpayers, not just the people who have kids in school. We need to be financially conservative and yet making sure that the opportunities for our students are there for continued growth. I would like to see special education programs grow and flourish, and communication always improving.

At this time, what are the strengths and weaknesses of the district?

I think that one of the strengths is that we have a great board, a good team of 10, including Nina, and a great vision for our district. Students have so many opportunities—not that they couldn't have more. We get so much in this district, sometimes we forget what we have. 

One of the weaknesses is that people see problems or issues as a weakness; all districts have problems and issues, and it gives us the opportunity to change and become better. Gossip. I think people have to direct their communication to whom they want to talk. Our central office is pretty open, and our school board is pretty open. People can come to meetings and speak their peace. I wish instead of hearing a story about someone, they would find out if that story's true. I think gossip is a weakness. 

I really believe every issue has been addressed—if people don't hear about it, it doesn't mean we're not still working on it. 

Sidenote: 

I said before being on the board has changed me as a person. It has allowed me to learn much more about being a good working member of the team. It's taught me more about communication, more about listening and I'd like to continue that. With that cooperation, I feel that's the best way for the district to move forward. We'll have at least one more member and I welcome that—they have a different perspective and that's always good.

William Merrell

• Graduated from Peters Township High School in 1968  
• Education:
  • Duquesne University: postgraduate studies, finishing requirements for an additional teacher's certificate in instructional technologies and working on M.S. degree in social studies, M.S. degree in secondary education
  • Nova Southeastern University: postgraduate studies in distance education and instructional technologies
  • California University of Pennsylvania: M.A. in regional planning and geography 
  • University of Pittsburgh: B.A. in legal studies, Capstone Seminars (Graduate School of Public and International Affairs)
  • Community College of the Air Force, Gunter AFB: A.S. in safety technology 
  • Professional Development Series, Emergency Management Institute Certificate - Emmetsburg, MD
  • Local Government Academy: Elected Officials Program graduate
  • Pennsylvania Association of Realtors: graduate of the Realtors Institute 
  • University of Texas Arlington: certified specialist in safety and health, 2010
  • PA certified secondary instructor, social studies 
  • OSHA, approved maritime and construction instructor
• Retired from the military in 1995

• Married to councilwoman Monica Merrell; has three children Sam, a township resident; Ben, a local businessman; and Andrea, who lives in Florida
• Served as a councilman in Peters
• Served as the director of safety and security for A&L Inc., and as mid-Atlantic safety manager for Weeks Marine Construction Inc. for 15 years combined
• Now vice president of Vesta Construction Services, and elected member of the PA State Republican Committee
• Producer of two local cable programs: "Talking Politics in Western PA" and "Things They Usually Don't Teach You"

As a new candidate, what is motivating you to run?

An expenditure of over a million dollars was approved for another sports field, but this is being done at a time when the computer system, as well as a school-wide phone system, continues to be unable to serve the ever-growing "educational" demands of this growing district. We must start holding the line on peripheral spending while educational issues in the classrooms and buildings are not being met.

What is the biggest issue of the district's educational system?

I feel that most people would understand that as we move into the second decade of the 21st century we must update the educational process. The methods used by some of the more progressive districts tend to forgo the use of very biased and expensive text books, and go with excellent online systems/downloads that could use iPads and cut the massive expense from using books. As we all understand, these texts get destroyed and become outdated easily. 

There are some costs that are going to remain high, including building improvements, maintenance and labor. So we are going to have to figure out smarter ways to manage technology, to better manage our electric, water usage and other utilities. 

Assuming you win, what would you like to accomplish during your term?

Teaching students in a framework of a "local to global" progression (as we were taught) builds a stronger foundation and takes advantage of local resources that are available to support the teachers. An example of this would be in the current kindergarten curriculum.  There is a requirement to teach the students about Canada. While this seems like an interesting topic, their understanding or the relevance of Canada in their lives is very limited at best. If they must learn about government, let it start with something they do understand at this age, and that is what their local government does for them. 

Parks, police and fire protection are understandable to children at this age because they see them on a daily basis in their community. Intelligent curriculum planning would allow them to become better citizens having an appreciation that the local government has a direct and immediate effect upon their lives in the areas of safety, recreation, education and health.

At this time, what are the strengths and weaknesses of the district?

There are always areas that need reviewed and revisited. In education, be concerned when someone says "everything is fine." As I have mentioned, the phone system constantly fails during the week. If you are on the emailing system of the school, you would probably need both hands to count the number of times it has "gone down" this year alone. This is a safety issue and it should be fixed immediately. 

Another issue are the schools computers. Maybe I am more aware of it since I am in graduate school at Duquesne in that area, but with the need for computer competencies being levied in the new state standards, as well as the increase of computers in our everyday lives (remember that iPods, iPhones, Kindles, etc., just came into being in the last few years), demand that the most updated technologies are available for our district.

It is not only the question of computer hardware/software, but the education for our teachers and administrators who will be dealing with these today and the near future. We can not allow our students fall behind because we lack the vision to see what is ahead.

Sidenote: As far as my involvement with the school district in the last few years, it has been limited to supporting the Thespians, as a sponsor; attending sporting events; and being involved with the Peters Township Cable system. My other involvement is being a member on the district's Curriculum Committee for Social Studies. 

While I watch the board's meetings on the cable system, I call it "professional courtesy" not to attend since I was on council in the past, and currently my wife Monica holds that position. I do not feel it is beneficial that it is perceived within the community that there may be any discord between two factions of local government.

Read our full list of municipal election candidates for the May 17 primaries . Also, if you haven't registered to vote, you must do so by April 18. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of State's online voting information and resource center website for more information.