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Nine candidates are seeking nomination for five open seats on the Williamsport Area School Board.
Five have cross-filed and will seek both party's nominations on May 18.
They are Jamie Sanders of 516 Glenwood Ave., Barbara Reeves of 53 Keyser Circle, Adam Welteroth of 815 Packer St., Cody Derr of 500 Glenwood Ave. and Caleb E. Blank of 1209 Race St.
Seeking the Republican nomination only is Michelle Deaver of 2136 Newberry St.
Seeking the Democratic nomination only are Fatima Royal of 505 Hawthorne Ave., Scott Williams of 685 First Ave. and Voncier DeVore-Gammage of 393 Eldred St.
Sanders, a registered Republican, was motivated to seek the nomination by a desire to serve and to "help communication and positive changes that benefit our community, that benefit our administration and our teachers."
He said he sees it as an opportunity to make decisions about good policy. Sanders said that through good communication people would understand the duties of the school board more clearly.
He said that he feels that it's important for the board to make good decisions for all the students in the district, those at the "lower end of the academic spectrum and the higher end of the academic spectrum."
Reeves, a registered Democrat and incumbent, said her work with children and in the community are qualities she can bring to the board. She also feels she "has a voice that speaks for some of those who don't have any opportunity to do so."
She said that she wants to be on the school board because although she has no prejudices she does acknowledge the differences between races.
"I really want to be a face for children of color to let them know that they can accomplish anything they want and they can also have a political position in the arena as well," Reeves said. She'd like to see equality in educational opportunities for children in the district, a better representation of diversity in staffing such as administrative and faculty.
Reeves, who has a degree in accounting said she is concerned about budgetary issues in the district.
Welteroth, a registered Republican, is seeking a second term and cited his experience on the board.
Welteroth said that he has spent time at the state capital representing local districts as well as serving on a state school board association committee.
"It really starts with our children. I really feel that I could effect change at a young age that ultimately I could help to make their lives better which could help make the community better," he said.
Welteroth's priorities are to make sure the district offers the best quality education to students, particularly in the area of hands-on, progressive teaching methods and tools. He is concerned about the safety of students and the services that they receive not only in terms of education, but also a sense of family and the general overall care of students and families.
"We have to keep in mind the taxpayers that don't have children who go to the schools because people today are hurting financially," he said.
Derr, a registered Republican, has a background in education, teaching in both a brick-and-mortar school and cyber charter school. She is working toward certification as a principal.
"I just want to understand the functions of a school snd have a good rounded scope of what goes on and how decisions are made," she said, adding she wants to serve to help make decisions to better the school.
"The high school has amazing opportunities for our students … but I feel like at the younger levels it's something that families feel like it's just something that we have to grit our teeth and get through it," she said.
She said that there are very few opportunities in the lower grades for hands-on learning.
She lists curriculum, such as more STEM initiatives in the lower grades, and more community involvement with businesses as priorities and would like to see students become more accountable in the community.
"I was at the school district building the other day and you see a sign that says 'Millionaire Love' … then students are getting off the school bus outside of my house and they're throwing garbage all over the place and screaming swear words and obscenities … I want to see some accountability and instill respect in the community in Williamsport and not just within the walls," she said.
Blank, a registered Democrat, said school board members should be accountable and available to their constituents.
He is seeking the position because he wants to see accountability especially when it comes to taxes. He said that when raising taxes, the board needs to be sensitive to the make-up of the district as a significant portion of students live in financially disadvantaged households.
He said that raising taxes $100 may not be a lot for some, but for others it creates a financial hardship, even for those who rent because "landlords can only raise rents so much."
He also promises to be available to those who elected him.
Deaver is seeking a Republican nomination.
She has lived in the community almost her entire life and feels that it is her time to give back to the community by offering what she can.
"I think my voice and my opinion could be heard and maybe thought viable by other people, if I could get them out," Deaver said.
Deaver would like to see every student have the same opportunities. Accountability is another issue that she feels needs addressed.
"I'm not saying it's not there, but sometimes sitting on the outside it doesn't appear to be there and the board should be totally transparent," Deaver said.
Williams, seeking a Democratic nomination, had served from 2015 to 2017 to fill a vacancy.
"I have a good working relationship with district people and I have a good understanding of how the district operates," Williams said.
He seeks to protect some of the programs that enhance students' lives, such a music, athletics and art.
"I think they offer an opportunity to engage some students that might not be as engaged in school through the traditional academic programs," he said.
He said that he would like to see program, like music preserved and protected in the district, citing its recognition on a national level. "Any opportunity we have to actually expand music offerings or enhance the music program would be a huge success for the district," he said.
He also would like the district to preserve local community schools, serving students that live nearby, to maintain the connection between the school buildings, programs and facilities to the "fabric of the neighborhood that they're in."
DeVore-Gammage is seeking a Democratic nomination. She has a background in education, having taught secondary social studies in the New Jersey school system for more than 17 years.
"I believe that a lot of times school boards do not implement a teacher's perspective," she said. "It's just necessary. That part of the puzzle just seems to be missing and I believe it's sorely needed in all school boards."
She is running on the idea of producing 21st century students to compete effectively in the world. "I'm looking at it from alternative education," she said.
She is partnering with the Junior Achievement League, a program which incorporates students who are not only headed to college, but also those who are more vocational or work-ready.
She also has a vision for schools within schools where secondary students begin to think about what they want to do before they graduate.
"Where's that program where the student can come in for two hours of class and then go to work,' she said. "Every student isn't college bound."
Royal, who is seeking a Democratic nomination, could not be reached for comment.