My Bio
My name is Jett Goss and I ran for the Purchase Line School Board in the 2025 Municipal General Election. I am a 2024 graduate of Commonwealth Charter Academy and I'm currently studying political science at IUP, where I represent off-campus students in the Student Government Association. I decided to run for school board because when I attended Purchase Line, I faced tremendous challenges. My personal experiences with ADHD, alternative education programs, and falling through the cracks fuel my passion for student-centered policy. I wanted to be a loud, visible voice for overlooked students who don’t always get the support they truly need.
Although I may not have won this time, I am still dedicated to fighting for underserved students. I want to thank everyone who financially contributed, shared my social media posts, and engaged in electioneering on November 4th. Your work did not go unnoticed and I wouldn't have made it this far without your support. The race was close and I made a lot of headway in a short amount of time as the only candidate that came in after the primaries and went straight to the general election ballot.
To read my concession statement, visit this link:
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1AGd8y5ctH/
To view the election results for Indiana County, visit this link and scroll down to Page 107 on the PDF:
https://www.indianacountypa.gov/wp-content/uploads/November-4-2025-official-results-summary-including-write-ins.pdf
To view the election results for Clearfield County, visit this link and scroll down to Page 91 on the PDF:
https://clearfieldcountypa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1015/Unofficial-Summary-Report
To look at all the key highlights from the past few months of campaigning visit my facebook page: Jett Goss For PLSD School Board
My Key Issues
Health & Wellness
We must invest in programs that help students develop emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and self-regulation. A healthy state of mind is the foundation of academic success. Students should be taught how to manage stress, navigate emotions, and build resilience not just for school, but for life. We cannot expect students to meet rigorous academic standards without also supporting their emotional and mental well-being.
Free Speech & Civic Engagement
Every member of our community students, parents, staff, and taxpayers deserves the right to express their opinions, including criticism of the school board or its policies. While public meetings, whether online or in person, are useful, they often have time constraints and barriers especially for those without reliable transportation or access to technology. I believe we should establish the district’s social media page as an open public forum or limited public forum that is moderated. There must be a balance of free speech and content regulation. Additionally, we should provide opportunities for written comments via mail to better reach the elderly demographic.
Facilities & Infrastructure
I believe our school infrastructure should support every student, including those who require additional accommodations. Depending on financial constraints, this could be done by constructing sensory rooms, more single occupancy restrooms, or other inclusive spaces that meet a variety of needs.
Support for Non-Traditional Students
No student should be punished for needing support. Students facing behavioral, attendance, mental health, or learning challenges are often treated as problems rather than individuals in need of help. Many are labeled "at-risk," placed in alternative programs, or excluded without receiving the support they need to thrive. Purchase Line must work for all students, not just those who fit a narrow definition of success. I support reducing exclusionary discipline in favor of restorative practices, rethinking stigmatizing labels, reconnecting alternative education students with the broader school community, and providing holistic support that addresses academic, emotional, and social needs. I will be a visible advocate for students who are too often overlooked because I’ve been one of them.
Independent Leadership & Accountability
Our school board must be accountable to students, parents, and taxpayers. We must avoid giving the superintendent too much discretion or overly broad authority. Although it is necessary to grant leeway to the superintendent for efficiency and overall management, I believe the board of directors is the body most representative of our community and holds the ultimate authority. We must ensure that our policies are clear and meaningful.
Homework
I believe homework in its current form is outdated and causes unnecessary stress and anxiety for many students. It also prevents students from participating in activities and spending time with their families. Not only that, but it creates an unfair disadvantage for students who don’t have a comfortable learning environment at home. If a task requires resources that may not be equally accessible to all, it should remain in the classroom or be offered as optional enrichment. Students deserve ample time for rest and relaxation in their personal lives. I support evidence-based homework policies that drastically reduce or eliminate homework for grade levels preceding high school.
Parental Rights & Local Control
I believe parents have the right to know what is being taught in our schools at all times. We must strike a balance of respecting our local culture and values while providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. I am committed to transparency in education and ensuring that our community has a voice in what happens in the classroom.
Fiscal Responsibility & Student Centered Policy
I believe one of the most important responsibilities of the school board is to maintain careful oversight of the district’s funds and ensure they are allocated efficiently. With a significant elderly demographic, it’s crucial to avoid tax increases whenever possible, using them only as a last resort after all other options have been exhausted. At the same time, academic funding deserves equal attention to athletic funding. Robust curricula, extracurricular programs, mental health support, professional development, technology, and classroom materials are all essential to providing students with the best opportunities to succeed.
Afterword
These priorities reflect the principles and policies I support and would advocate for as a board member. The school board functions as a collective body, and I would raise these points through discussion rather than push a personal agenda onto other members. I believe a school board is strongest when it includes voices from a wide range of backgrounds. We need former teachers, coaches, and individuals who understand finance and budgeting, but above all, the student experience should remain our primary focus. I also believe that younger voices help school districts remain forward-thinking. My goal is for Purchase Line to be a unique, forward-thinking district that makes thoughtful, independent decisions and sets a positive example for other districts, rather than simply following what others are doing.
Send Me a Message
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!