5 candidates competing for 3 Ringgold seats

By Michael Richter

mrichter@yourmvi.com

Three at-large seats for Ringgold School Board are on the line Tuesday, as five candidates will compete at the polls. 

Jason Briscoe, Rich Fine, Brittany Macioce, Steve Toprani and Heather Wilhelm offered their perspectives on the school district’s pressing matters.

Briscoe, a 1989 Ringgold graduate, believes the school board should be more involved in the district’s communities. 

Fine, who served as a principal at the Finley and Carroll Middle Schools, said he’s running because he is at the point in his life where he can give back to the community. 

Macioce, a Union Township resident for 12-plus years, increased her involvement in the community throughout the last three years, attending school board meetings and expanding her knowledge of educational practices. 

“Working through the individual educational needs of my own children has ignited a passion to ensure all children have strong foundations for bright, successful futures,” Macioce said.

Toprani, the lone incumbent, has dedicated his career to addressing issues that affect the communities within the district. 

“My priority is providing the highest quality education at the lowest possible cost to our taxpayers in safe and secure schools,” he said.

Wilhelm and her family have lived in the district for 15 years, and she has volunteered her time to the district in many ways since then. She helped fund a youth robotics summer camp at Ringgold Elementary North with a portion of a $25,000 EQT grant. 

“I would like to see a stronger STEM program at Ringgold,” she said.

The Mon Valley Independent asked each candidate to provide responses to these questions.

What is the district’s most pressing issue? How would you solve it?

Briscoe said the district’s test scores need to improve, and the district must ensure the students are prepared for life outside of school.

“We need to make sure they are prepared to enter college, a trade school or the workforce after high school,” he said. “We need to invest in more resources to help our administration and teachers with tools to make them successful in the classroom, so they are prepared to instruct our students.”

Fine said safety is his top priority, as it’s vital for learning environments.

“As far as how I would fix it, I don’t think I could give an answer to that without having the opportunity to see what’s being done, and then move on from that point,” he said. “Other than that, I would be guessing.”

Macioce is concerned about the students’ reading proficiency. 

“In my eyes, it is imperative that every child learns to read proficiently, and with less than half of Ringgold third graders meeting proficiency levels, we have a lot of work to do,” Macioce said. “Learning requires a safe environment, and extracurricular activities, interests and athletics are crucial to providing a positive experience.”

According to Toprani, the main issue the district must address is strategic planning.

“As a board, we need to set a fiscal and management policy that expands academic and vocational opportunities,” Toprani said. “This mission is challenged by a short staff that has high turnover. I want to make it a priority to attract and retain teachers, support staff, police officers and bus drivers, and pay them fairly.”

Wilhelm believes the district’s most pressing issue is academics.

“Our district is failing,” she said. “There needs to be more school board oversight of curriculum and the structured school day. All curricula and materials available to students should also be available to parents and guardians. The district needs to be more transparent about our reading and math proficiencies and low performance overall.”

Do you feel school boards are being politicized by national issues making their way into the decision-making at the local level?

Briscoe said school boards are being politicized in many different ways.  

Fine said he’s focused on fixing the issues at Ringgold. 

Macioce said education has been politicized, which has caused parents to feel ignored.

“Parents are the experts of their children and play an integral role in their education,” Macioce said. “There should be full transparency and accountability, as well as communication and encouragement to be involved and work together for our children.”

Toprani said national politics are infiltrating school boards, and it’s happening at Ringgold, referring to Wilhelm and Macioce’s involvement with the Washington County affiliate of Moms for Liberty.

“There is concerted action by certain groups, including Ron DeSantis’ Moms For Liberty, which have two candidates running in this race. These groups seek to damage public education,” he said. 

Wilhelm considers herself to be well versed in national education trends, and she is steadfast in her beliefs.

“Having the courage to stand up and speak out shows that I have fortitude and a strong resolve,” she said. “Throughout this race there have been many attempts to smear our campaign and our names both locally and nationally. But I don’t give up easily, and I’m very hard working.”

What skills would you bring to the board?

Briscoe asserted that his level-headedness would allow him to discuss district issues with other board directors and community members in an effective and positive manner. 

Fine said his 22 years of education experience would be helpful for the board. 

Macioce cited her 20 years of experience in the medical field, strong mathematical skills, financial responsibility, drive and motivation as the attributes that would benefit the school board. 

Toprani said he will continue to bring his background in law, government, economic and community development and corporate management to the table as a voice of reason for the district. 

“As the father of three district students and a former district attorney, I have a unique perspective and a drive to do the best we can for Ringgold,” he said. “With my direct leadership, I will bring fiscal responsibility and accountability to the district.  I’m a proud Ringgold alumnus, and I will work every day to restore Ringgold pride. I have the record and reputation to best serve this district, and as shown by my recent appointment to the board, I am ready to serve.”

Wilhelm said she will bring strength and determination to the board.