On Monday, Feb. 9, the Mt. Lebanon School Board selected a candidate to fill the seat vacated last month by the resignation of Jake Wyland. Twelve residents applied and were interviewed during public interviews held at the Jan. 26 school board meeting.
Interview responses were evaluated using standard questions and a simple scoring rubric. The rubrics were submitted to the board secretary, who compiled the scores. The three highest-scoring candidates were announced at the Feb. 9 meeting.
Residents and taxpayers were then invited to speak to advocate for the candidate they felt would be best. Following public comment, school directors were permitted to nominate their candidate of choice for the vacancy. Two of the three finalists received nominations from current school directors. A roll call vote was held, and by a 6-2 vote, the Rev. Dr. Laura Strauss was appointed to fill the vacancy. She was immediately sworn in by Board Secretary Kimberly Walters.
Strauss has served as pastor of Sunset Hills United Presbyterian Church for the past six years. She and her spouse, Ethan, have lived in Mt. Lebanon for 13 years. Their 11-year-old son attends Lincoln Elementary School. Strauss holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and art history from Chatham University and a Master of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
She recently completed her Doctor of Ministry degree, with a focus on neighborhood engagement.
When asked what she loves about Mt. Lebanon, Strauss responded, “I love the walkability of Mt. Lebanon — the way a quick errand can turn into real conversations on the sidewalk. I love that people here look out for one another’s children. There’s a shared understanding that kids belong to the whole community.” She added, “I value that this is a town where education extends beyond the classroom — through our library, historical society and houses of worship. Learning matters here. Stewarding our parks and green spaces matters, too. And I’ll say it — Mt. Lebanon has the best restaurants!”
Strauss said she felt called to serve when she learned of the opening on the Mt. Lebanon School Board. “As both a parent and a community leader, I see how much our schools shape the life of Mt. Lebanon as a whole,” she said. “Public education sits at the intersection of policy, family life and our long-term community health. When the opportunity arose, I sensed this was a meaningful way to contribute my experience in leadership and governance to something that directly impacts our children — including my own.”
Strauss identified her priorities as academic rigor, fiscal responsibility, student well-being and the long-term health of the district. She emphasized the importance of strong public schools that prepare students not only for college and careers, but also for thoughtful citizenship, while supporting student mental health in ways that are sustainable for educators and ensuring students have the basic needs that make them ready to learn.
