TAYLOR - The Riverside School Board interviewed five candidates to replace former board member Timothy Lavelle on Monday in a forum the candidates would have to get to know well - a public meeting.
"It's a very rewarding thing that we do but it does come with its challenges," board President Robert Bennie told candidates during Monday's special meeting.
Candidate Richard Dowhy, 59, of Taylor, has served in administrative capacities for more than 20 years.
"It is a desire to do my best to give back to the community," Mr. Dowhy said, when asked why he chose to submit his résumé to the board.
Eugene Gallagher, 33, of Taylor, has coached football, basketball, and weight-lifting at the district and has a deep passion for Riverside.
"Riverside has been impressed on me since I was a small child," Mr. Gallagher said, noting that two older siblings graduated from the district while he was a child.
When asked what he believed the biggest challenges facing the district are, Moosic resident Stanley Kania, 58, said providing the best possible education in light of budget cuts and a lack of state money.
"I would do research, attend meetings, try to make the best decision on the facts that I have," Mr. Kania said after being asked what he would do to address those challenges.
Richard Kearney, 49, of Moosic, believes his 21 years of experience as a financial adviser makes him an ideal candidate for the position.
"I'm very organized and I'm good with time management," Mr. Kearney said.
Jason Muskey, 36, of Moosic, also works in finances, as the owner of the Moosic-based Muskey Financial Services. However, with two children already in the district, he said the district is already a big part of his life.
"This school district is a partner with me," Mr. Muskey said.
The board will meet again Thursday at 6 p.m. in the high school to reorganize. Afterwards, the board will appoint its new member, vote on the superintendent's contract and take care of any other business.
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