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?
School Board Directors are there to set and enact policies, work in collaboration with the Superintendant and Administration and ensure that the District remains fiscally responsible at all times while keeping property taxes at a minimum rate. We are also there for all the families who are welcome always to appear before us when they have questions or comments. We take pride in ensuring that they (families) are responded to in a timely fashion.

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?
My role has been one of a Board member who is completely accessible at all times and I understand fully how the System works from the Federal to the local levels. To that end, I am constantly updated on what Senate Bills are on the table that will impact us and I travel to meetings Statewide to remain educated so I can support the efforts of the Administration and speak with knowledge to the families who have questions in the community.  I was recently appointed as a Delegate for the National School Board Association from the Pennsylvania School Board which will now give me access at a National Level to speak on behalf of Public Education and the families that have entrusted their children to us. It is no secret that I am a strong advocate for all families but especially the ones who would not otherwise be heard for a myriad of reasons and I will therefore continue to be a strong voice on their behalf.

The School District has a budget of $130 million. What are your funding priorities over the next four years?
Continue a stellar Education which requires quality materials so that we can remain on the competitive edge at all times.  Keep our Arts and Music programs intact, continue to maintain the buildings etcetera in a timely fashion and keep costs  in line as much as humanly possible given the unstable climate with budgets over the last few years.

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