Rydal-Meadowbrook Civic Association

Candidate for Abington Board of School Directors

Download & print PDF with an overview of all candidates, individual responses and questions to be asked at the Forum on October 27, 2011. RMCA and our co-hosts are pleased to provide this candidate an opportunity to present qualifications and priorities. These are the opinions of the candidate and RMCA does not assume any responsibility for the accuracy of the content or typographic errors: 

In your view, what function does the Board of School Directors provide in the School District?
Oversight, mainly. The school district is arguably the most important entity in our community, educating not only our children but many of us, as well. Its strength, direction and ability to lead and nurture the community has a direct impact on every resident. A strong school district like ours means stable housing costs, a vibrant variety of businesses and a collection of very safe neighborhoods. Since we all benefit from its successes and would suffer if it fails, the citizens need to know there are people asking questions on their behalf, and making sure finances are fair, equitable and sensible. I believe our current school district administration is excelling at all this. However, it is our duty to our neighbors to retain a healthy inquisitiveness and to verify everyone is being considered.

What role do you envision for yourself on the Board of School Directors? What experience do you bring to the position and what do you want to accomplish?
What role do you envision for yourself on the Board of School Directors? What experience do you bring to the position and what do you want to accomplish? 

I want to advocate for the terrific aspects of the district but also be someone who listens to the complaints—regardless of where they come from—so as to maintain fairness and to help solve problems. I don’t believe that just because someone disagrees with me makes me right and them wrong. I think we need to show each other respect, and that extends to ideas we might not share. By doing so, hopefully we’ll strengthen the relationship between the citizens and the schools that serve them.    

In my years as a writer and editor, I have written countless articles about education as well as issues confronting families. I am well aware of the diversity in our community and I see it as a great positive. But I also know that many people feel disconnected or powerless when issues arise. They need to feel appreciated, they need to be listened to, and—on occasion—they need to be given help. I have worked with many charities over the years as well and feel that witnessing the pain and loss suffered by my friends in our community gives me the ability and willingness to see issues with compassion. We are all inches and paychecks away from life-altering times. If I can help students, families and other citizens feel safe and wanted in the district, I will have played one of the most important roles of all.

The School District has a budget of $130 million. What are your funding priorities over the next four years?
The main goal I have always had is to be sure the budget is being used in the best interest of the community. This is, after all, not other people’s money, but all of our money. We work hard for it and we deserve to know it’s being spent in smart ways. That said, we must remember that costs rise, emergencies happen and there is a vast school infrastructure that needs to be cared for. Technology and educational supplies need to be updated, teachers and staff need to be compensated fairly, buildings need upkeep, etc. I want to balance answering our needs with funding our dreams. Dreams are, after all, what spur us on to improve our lives and our world. I don’t believe that just because something might be seen as “unnecessary” or not “a need” means that we abandon it. I think we find ways to keep the extras going and growing through many outlets—shared resources, community involvement, business partnerships and the like. There are fair, equitable ways to do all this, and that is where I’d like to focus.

RMCA is co-hosting the Forum with the Abington Cheltenham Jenkintown League of Women Voters and Abington Parent Council (PTA & PTOs).

References and Links  
Strategic Plan Mid-point Review 
2011 Budget Summary
Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators White Paper 
Teachers' Agreement 
Memo on Rights and Responsibility of Students 
Board Communications