York Suburban School District: Who are the 8 candidates vying for four seats on the board?
Eight candidates are seeking four seats on the York Suburban School Board in the May 20 primary.
Four candidates are running together as part of Citizens for York Suburban School District, which vows to maintain the district's rigorous academic program, safeguard property values and ensure every child is represented, respected and valued, according to their website. The candidates are Danny Amon, Jim Polanzke, incumbent Ashley Turner and Steve Whiteley.
Four candidates are running under the movement of Teachers Not Buildings, which has the goal of ensuring the best possible education for students without losing sight of fiscal responsibility, according to their website. The candidates are Michael Park, Andrew Ruth, Chris Sanders and incumbent James Sanders.
All of the candidates have cross-filed for the four-year seats.
The district has plans to renovate its high school and construct a new intermediate school, which has sparked a debate among residents about the cost, the impact to property taxes and the future of education in the district.
Here are the candidates:
Danny Amon, who is a personal training and fitness center manager at the York Jewish Community Center, has a daughter who soon will be entering the public school system, according to the website. He believes "good health is the foundation for effective learning and that schools play a crucial role in shaping lifelong health habits."
"I think public health is one of our biggest issues we're currently facing," he said in a video, adding that children spend most of their time in school. "If we give them the best quality information, and the best quality exercise, the best quality start, they're going to have lives of good health."
Jim Polanzke, a Lutheran pastor with decades of experience teaching youth and adults, has a daughter who graduated from York Suburban, according to the website.
In a video, Polanzke said he's running for two reasons. He wants students to be prepared for their future, whether its military service, college or apprenticeships, and "York Suburban does an excellent job of doing that." He also wants to make sure that the needs of the community — not just the students and faculty — are heard.
"We may not be able to make everyone happy — that's not possible — but to make everyone heard is something that I'm going to strive for as a school board member," he said.
Michael Park, a 1988 graduate of Dallastown Area High School, is the owner of Wisehaven Event Center that he founded in 2012.
In the past, Park has worked for various employers, including as a systems analyst for IBM, a capital asset manager for the Greater Baltimore Medical Center and an operations manager for Canton Ornamental Iron Works, according to the website.
"Michael's varied background in these management assignments, for both large corporations and small businesses, has provided him with the perfect foundation for managing people and organizations," the website states.
Park and his business have been sponsors of the York Suburban minithon and of the Indian Rock PTO.
Andrew Ruth, a 2002 graduate of York Suburban, is a talent acquisition senior advisor for a government integrator. In his previous job, as a PGA Class A professional, he gained experience in leadership, operations, budgeting, and instruction.
He and his wife, also a graduate of the district, lived across the country before returning to the area and it strengthened their appreciation for the quality education they received, the website states. The couple have two children who currently attend school in York Suburban.
"He is committed to living a disciplined and healthy lifestyle, driven by a desire to be a positive role model for his family and his community," the website states.
Chris Sanders, a retired small business owner, has three children who graduated from the district, and two of her grandchildren currently attend York Suburban.
"The reason I'm running for school director is there is nothing better than to give a child when they walk in their first day of school the ... absolutely best education possible," she said in a video. "This is so important to the kids but also to the families."
Sanders brings "practical leadership, financial responsibility, and real-world problem-solving skills to the table," according to the website.
"She believes in the importance of education, empathy, and community — and she's ready to serve York Suburban with that same spirit," the website states.
James Sanders, a 1993 graduate of York Suburban, is a managing partner at MPL Law Firm, where he helps clients navigate complex legal and business challenges.
He previously worked as an equity analyst with firms like Standard & Poor's and Citigroup, a senior strategist with ITT Corporation. He also previously owned and led several Safeguard franchises, according to the website.
Sanders currently is serving a second term as school director. He has a son who graduated from the district and two sons who are attending York Suburban.
"James is passionate about community service and believes strongly in giving back to the district that helped shape who he is today," the website states.
Ashley Turner, who was elected in 2023 to fill a two-year vacancy, is a K-12 education systems engineer who works with technology and curriculum departments in school districts in Maryland, Delaware and Washington, D.C. to ensure that technology is enhancing students' education, according to the website.
In a video, Turner said she moved into the York Suburban School District for her two children, and she sees how they as well as their peers are benefitting from the education they are receiving.
"I want to continue being on the board so that I can be part of those conversations and make sure that we continue the excellence we have in our district," she said.
Steve Whiteley is a retired York Suburban teacher who taught earth science, environmental science, oceanography, and astronomy in the high school. He has two children who graduated from the district.
York Suburban has been a leader in the community because of its commitment to focusing on the students, whether it be hiring the highest-quality teaching staff, providing the best services or offering the finest materials, he said in a video.
Whiteley said he can help to support the district's mission to "Inspire a Bold Future," according to the website.
"I plan to advocate for students and support teachers and staff, while being sensitive to the current financial challenges," he wrote.
This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: York Suburban School District: 8 candidates vying for 4 seats in 2025
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