School Board Candidate: Rebecca Stern

Rebecca Stern is running for a second term as an Upper St. Clair School Board member.

"Four years went by awfully fast and I really get a lot of satisfaction being involved," Stern said. "There are a lot of good things happening, and a lot of challenges. I feel like I still have something to contribute."

Stern's professional background is in education. She has an degree from Boston University in career education for special needs and a masters degree from Carnegie Mellon University's H. John Heinz III College in education management.

She encourages residents to vote for her for a number of reasons. Stern said look at her participation; she has been very active in key initiatives. The creation of an advancement office and the renovations of the middle schools are key initiatives she is proud of.

"I'm not afraid to speak up," Stern said. "Sometimes the ideas aren't practical, but they spark conversation. I pride myself in speaking up and putting my thoughts out there."

Stern said the budget challenges ahead are going to require a great deal of creativity.

"We can no longer do things the way they've always been done," Stern said. "People are reluctant to change when we're doing such a good job.

"Everything is on the table. We are working to figure out how can we restructure while helping our kids and being smart with money."

Stern has two children who are no longer in the school district. Her son is in graduate school at George Washington University and her daughter is a newlywed. She said having adult children gives her the time to devote to the school district.

"I grew up in a family where it was important to be involved in the community," Stern said. "I really, really enjoy the work."