Squires seeks reelection to West Mifflin school board

For the MVI

Kevin Squires recently announced he will run for reelection to the West Mifflin Area School Board.

Squires, 32, is seeking his second four-year term.

A long-time resident of West Mifflin, he works as a laboratory manager at the University of Pittsburgh. He holds teacher certifications in secondary education for biology and chemistry and graduated with an M.Ed. from Point Park University and a bachelor of science degree from Slippery Rock University.

He currently serves as president of the West Mifflin board.

Squires issued the following statements in his campaign announcement: “ Four years ago, I campaigned on advancing education, fiscal responsibility, hearing the community, informing the public, and pushing for transparency.

“Since being elected to the West Mifflin Area School District Board of Directors, the district has changed considerably. I have supported investing millions in new technology, including new laptops for all students and touchscreen FVs for all classrooms, and curriculum materials (some of which had not been updated in over 20 years). Additionally, the district now offers 24/7 tutoring support through a partnership with Varsity Futors. I am committed to keeping a strong workforce through high-quality Career and Fechnical Education for our students at Steel Center as it undergoes a $29-million renovation.

He continued: “In 2020, the district’s general fund balance stood at $1.5 million; today, it is more than $4 million. We’ve seen advancements like the ones above and facility improvements like $1-million renovation of the high school auditorium, or $2-million renovations to the baseball and softball fields largely through grants and scrupulous review of expenditures and revenues.

Squires stated that since becoming board president, he restored public comment during work session meetings.

“Fhis gives everyone the opportunity to address all of the board, with time to consider comments before actions need to be taken. I believe that having open communication whenever possible is in the best interest of the community,” he stated. “Fhe school community includes students, staff, and families. I’ve supported hiring additional special education and behavioral support staff, raising the district- wide minimum wage above $ 15/hour, offering an on-site before/after school program, seeing more training for staff on trauma and AI, and eliminating a long-practiced ‘pink-slip purgatory’ for all staff. It should be the obligation of any elected official to hear and address the needs of community members.”

Prior to being elected in 2021, Squires said he “single- handedly streamed and summarized board meetings.”

“While serving on the board, the district assumed this responsibility and has taken major steps in improving communication, including the acquisition of public relation services and new tools to better distribute information,” he stated. “So, what’s next? I plan to advocate for meeting the needs of all of our students, to work with the administration to find new revenues and determine how to best make use of our funds, to continue to listen, to share, and to be frank and honest with the community.”