Plum teacher vies with 5 incumbents in Greater Latrobe School Board race

Five incumbents and a challenger are seeking primary nominations Tuesday for five seats on the Greater Latrobe School Board.

Challenger David Vitula, a teacher at Plum Borough School District, appears on both party ballots, as do incumbents Susan Mains, Eric Hauser, Conrad Lazor and Merle Musick. Incumbent Dr. Michael Zorch is running solely on the Republican ticket.

Vitula, 51, who lives in Unity and is a lifelong district resident, said he wants to provide a voice for those who “are not part of the establishment” and supports transparency by district officials.

“The people of this district have a right to know what decisions are being made and why they are made,” he said.

Vitula said Greater Latrobe should examine its grading scale to ensure it is competitive with those at top schools in other counties, “so our kids who apply to colleges are on an equal playing field with other students in other districts.”

If elected, he said he would place a priority on safety and security at district schools, increased student achievement and fiscal responsibility.

Having worked in the education profession for 20 years, Vitula said he would bring to the board experience negotiating contracts as well as previous experience as a civilian accountant for the Department of Navy.

Mains, 65, of Unity is a retired Hempfield math teacher who is seeking her eighth term on the school board. She also serves on the Latrobe-Greater Latrobe School District Parks and Recreation Board.

She places a high priority on keeping district schools safe and secure while “voting to spend hard-earned taxpayer dollars wisely.”

Mains said she wants to maintain excellence in Greater Latrobe schools.

“This involves making wise and informed decisions, which my years of experience have taught me to do,” she said. “Our district has been top-ranked by several organizations over the years, and we prepare students to be successful in both the competitive job market and colleges and universities.”

Other candidates didn’t respond to requests for information.

Hauser, the school board president, is a plant operator for Latrobe Municipal Authority and a former district wrestling coach. Lazor, vice president, is the retired owner of Lazor Furniture who continues as a consultant for the business.

Zorch is a local physician, while Musick is the building code official and planning director for Unity Township.