League of Women Voters: Indiana County, Pennsylvania

MAY 15, 2007 PRIMARY ELECTION

INDIANA AREA SCHOOL BOARD

Candidates who have cross-filed (qualified for both party ballots) are listed only once. Each entry includes the candidate’s name, post office, and year of birth.

4 YEAR TERM (VOTE FOR FIVE)

Douglas M. Steve
Indiana
1969
Dem/Rep

QUESTION 1: What in your background, training and experience qualifies you to be an effective school board member?

I have both an accounting degree and business education degree from IUP along with 10 years of teaching experience in the Indiana Area School District (IASD). Since August of 2005, I’ve been employed as an Account Representative with The Horace Mann Companies.

Growing up and attending public school in the Indiana Area School District along with my previous teaching experience in the school district I have first hand knowledge of the type of education that is expected by this community when it comes to our children.

As a former teacher and also with my business background I have knowledge of dealing with finances and working with budgets. Another asset that I would bring to this board is the ability to work as a member of a team with a common goal – doing what’s best for the kids!

QUESTION 2: There is some concern that the No Child Left Behind focus on testing in reading, math, and science leaves scant time and attention for other important goals of public education. What other areas do you think are important to emphasize so that our children grow to become healthy, responsible and productive citizens?

) Three areas that need addressed are technology, interpersonal communication skills, and fitness.

As technology becomes even more imperative in this global economy, I feel this school district needs to give the students every opportunity to grow as early as possible in the technology area.

When it comes to interpersonal communication skills, I feel that too many graduates from Indiana are not comfortable getting up in front of a group of people and speaking. The more opportunities that students have in their classes of speaking in front of a group the more proficient and relaxed students will become at this skill.

Obesity is still a problem throughout the United States at the school age level. More activities dealing with fitness and nutrition starting in kindergarten need to be addressed. This even means looking at our food service vendor and seeing what can be done to increase the number of students eating the food in the cafeterias. I think we need to look at other districts to notice what is successful for them in this area.

QUESTION 3: The PA School Boards Association Standards for Effective School Governance state that school boards govern by reviewing, revising and adopting board policy and delegate to the superintendent responsibility for implementation of board policy. Do you agree with this statement? Why, or why not?

Yes, I totally agree with this statement. The school board is there to adopt policy not to run the day-to-day operations of the district, that is the responsibility of the superintendent. Board members should work together in a spirit of harmony, respect and cooperation, despite differences of opinion to adopt policy.

School boards need to operate as a collective board in making decisions. Information needs to be given to ALL members of the board for proper knowledge on a topic. By having committee meetings or meeting in small groups then not informing the remaining board members is not an efficient way to govern as a board. If committee meetings are used, the decisions made by the committee then needs to be brought in front of the full board to get a majority of the vote before proceeding.

I feel that we need to let the teachers teach, administrators direct, and superintendent run the day-to-day operations of a school district. The superintendent has the experience, training, and education to do extremely well in this area.

QUESTION 4: Much of the burden of paying for public education falls on local taxpayers. Under Act 1 (2006) school districts may not raise their tax rates above a state-determined index without voter approval-- the “back-end” referendum. In what areas do you think funding could be decreased or even eliminated to balance the school budget and stay below the index?

) When you look at the school district budget a huge portion of the budget are items that are constant. Only a small portion of the budget has flexibility. One way to decrease spending is with the use of grants. Even though these grants usually last for a short number of years, they can help to subsidize other parts of the budget. There are numerous grants out there that are never awarded because districts don’t apply for them each year. If you don’t apply you never know if you would have received the grant.

The time has now come to look at other means for school districts to bring in dollars. If this means through individuals, alumni, corporations or businesses the school district needs to take a serious look. This is how Corporate America works nowadays, entities want to see their name and/or logo wherever possible. This can help in academic areas, athletics, and even the music locale. With the increased costs of running a school district it is imperative that school boards utilize all available options out there.

Kathy K. Baker
Indiana
1955
Dem/Rep

QUESTION 1: What in your background, training and experience qualifies you to be an effective school board member?

) I think I am qualified to be a board member for the Indiana Area School District because I am effective, a good learner and a good communicator. I am an advocate for public schools, and I feel that providing for good educational experiences in our community is important.

Personal Background. I have experience in many fields including investment, budgeting, tax preparation, and overseeing rental property, as well as renovations of those properties. I have worked as an income tax preparer for 12 years, in the private sector and at the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. My three children have attended the Indiana schools since we made Indiana our home 11 years ago. David and Tom graduated from high school here and now attend college, and James is a sophomore at the Senior High. My husband, John, is a professor in mathematics education in the Mathematics Department at IUP.

School District Experience. I served on the recent tax study commission for Indiana Area School District. The way the members of the commission worked together, with their willingness to express varying points of view, would be a good model for how the school board should operate. I served as the treasurer of the East Pike PTA for two years and then was the membership committee chair for two years. During that time, I also served on a district committee of administrators, teachers, and parents reviewing grading policy. Prior to moving to Indiana, I served as treasurer and then president of a cooperative preschool during financially difficult times. We were able to come together and find ways to improve the budget situation. I have always enjoyed a challenge, particularly when it comes to studying and synthesizing rather difficult material so that it can be understood and decisions can be made. I particularly like looking at angles that might not be obvious.

Personal Qualifications. I am able to communicate effectively with people, and I feel that the board could do better in the way they communicate with the public. I would like to see the board use the district internet site for more communication with people who do not attend meetings. I also think the community is well served by a school board that has healthy discussions about issues and listens to each other. I believe that my expertise in making a decision and backing it up with facts will be well used on the school board.

) I have always been impressed with the rich variety of experiences the children in this district receive. In addition to exposing the students to many kinds of athletic activities, I think the programs that include learning to play instruments, vocal instruction, and art are important to balance out the emphasis that No Child Left Behind places on reading, math, and science. In addition, the option to attend the vocational school is important so that the many needs of our children can be met.

) I agree with the statement by the PSBA because the school board is elected to oversee the school district, not to implement the policies. The board must have confidence in the superintendent and other staff they hire to carry out the stated goals of the board. I do believe that input should be sought from the community about overall goals for the district and that people should be welcomed into meetings. Board members are not elected to be experts in education but must decide which direction the district should take.

I believe in cooperating with neighboring school boards when possible, as well as staying in touch with legislators about future legislation.

School budgets are at the mercy of state funding and mandates. Since there is such a large portion of the budget that is taken up by salaries and benefits, there is less flexibility in the other portion of the budget.

I think there are some areas where economies can be achieved, and finding them takes some good critical thinking, cooperation between board members, and long-range planning. Realistically, the board should, at a minimum, try to curb the rate of increases year to year. I don’t think that elementary class sizes should be changed. Decisions regarding where grades are placed should first be dictated by educational programs with the goal being the best educational experience.

Rob Werner
Indiana
1960
Dem/Rep

QUESTION 1: What in your background, training and experience qualifies you to be an effective school board member?

In my profession, I am the manager of Banking Operations at S&T Bank. In that role, I manage over 100 staff members and a multi-million dollar budget. Effective leadership, expense control, and delivering quality service are my constant focus. These imperatives apply to school districts, as well.

However, my most important qualification might be as a parent. With one child at Eisenhower Elementary and another at the Junior High, I am involved with our schools in a very personal way.

Certainly reading, math, and science are of critical importance – that is why they are addressed in the NCLB benchmarks. However, a truly excellent education requires so much more. Education in the Arts, including Music, Art, and Drama, is of great importance. Physical Education is more important than ever, given the epidemic of childhood obesity. Communications skills must be developed through Reading, English and foreign language curriculum. Technology, of course, continues to increase in importance. Clearly, the “Three Rs” aren’t nearly enough in the 21 st century.

In general, I agree with the position of the PSBA. It is much too tempting for a school board to “micro-manage” the administration. The board needs to hire a qualified Superintendent, and allow her (or him) to do the job.

It is important to understand that very little of our $40+ million budget is discretionary. Few easy expense cuts are available. However, our district has been very successful over the years in decreasing staff expense through sensible attrition (retirements, etc.) that matches declining enrollment. Continued attrition should be evaluated, when an opportunity arises; BUT in no case should educational standards be compromised. Overcrowded classrooms and program reductions are unacceptable.

Much has been mentioned regarding the consolidation of our district’s Elementary Schools. Some claim that the district could save $1 million per year with one or two closures. Certainly, it makes sense to evaluate building usage on an ongoing basis. However, we cannot close school buildings at the cost of overcrowded classrooms or the elimination of adequate space for special subjects. Only a district wide, building by building, room by room evaluation should be accepted. It should also be considered that future growth in our district’s school age population is entirely possible. A hasty school closure could backfire and result in a very expensive building project in the future.

Ronald Airhart
Indiana
1951
Dem/Rep

QUESTION 1: What in your background, training and experience qualifies you to be an effective school board member?

I work for the United Mine Workers of America and through my experiences traveling across five states and working with many large corporations, I have been able to learn how to resolve issues and work together. My background allows me to meet many employers in different types of employment and listen to what their needs are for their workforce. I have attended Indiana University of Pa. and have taken classes at West Virginia University on Labor Law. I’m a certified Federal Mine Safety Instructor and have taught classes on electrical, mining and contract negotiations for the Labor Studies Department at IUP. I have served and still serve on any boards including, Indiana County United Way, Indiana County Board of Assistance, Employees Hospital Committee Fund, UMWA District Two Executive Board and Tri-County Workforce Investment Board also chairing and co-chairing committees on these various boards. I currently serve as a Board of Director at Indiana Area School District and have taken the PSBA training courses. I have lived in this county for over fifty years and have raised four children. All four of my children attended or are attending Indiana Area School District and three have attended Indiana University of Pa. Two are currently in the workforce, Carrie at Westmoreland County Children of Youth and Tiffany at Indiana County Department of Transportation. Jason is continuing his education a Drexel Law School and Christina is in tenth grade.

I believe that No Child Left Behind is an unfounded mandate. I’m proud to say that Indiana Area School District does not teach to test and still continues to teach a full curriculum. Social Studies, History, Foreign Language, Home Economics, Drama, Physical Education and Sports are all important for our children’s growth. We are currently looking into corporate sponsors for some of our facilities and sports teams. Hopefully this will allow us to move money to areas in education. I don’t believe we should be cutting any educational program we need to find ways to fund them.

Yes I agree. Board members are elected to serve as policy makers of the School District. I have set on many boards, both in our County and outside. When I was elected to this board I was shocked to know that I was given a packet on Friday afternoon and was to vote on every issue Monday at the board meeting. There was little discussion if any. I was left to vote yes or no on an issue with no or little information. From my experience effective boards meet in committees to discuss issues that are to be placed in front of the board for vote. The committees discuss and research issues then make recommendations to the board. The board then votes on the issues that give direction to the Administration.

The Board must adopt a strategic plan, set goals in the plan and review the plan. This plan needs to be a working document. Boards are also given the obligation to make the decision on how the tax dollars of the school district are spent and they need to have working knowledge of the school system to make these important votes.

One way we are looking at addressing this issue is through corporate sponsors. If we could generate revenue for our athletic teams through sponsorships we could shift monies from the sports budget towards education. I believe me must lobby our elected state representatives first to stop unfounded mandates and secondly to restore the state funding to our area schools.

Barbara Telthorster
Indiana
1941
Dem/Rep

QUESTION 1: What in your background, training and experience qualifies you to be an effective school board member?

I attended Citizen’s General Hospital School of Nursing, Penn State University New Kensington Campus and am a registered nurse. I have worked in nursing education and nursing administration. Since moving to Indiana in 1982, I was a substitute nursing instructor in the licensed practical nurse program at Indiana County Technology Center, executive director at Camp Sunrise for 10 years, an educational advocate with the Parent Information Project for 10 years and in 1999 I was hired at The Arc of Indiana County, a non-profit organization that provides information on disability issues, and became their first executive director in 2003.

Heather, the youngest of my 4 children, received special educations services in the Indiana Area School District. She graduated, is employed, and active in the local and state community. While Heather was in school I became active in the ARIN IU 28 Right To Education Local Task Force and the ARIN IU 28 Local Transition Council. As executive director of The Arc of Indiana County, I am still active on these councils.

In 2003, I was invited to become a member of the PA Dept. of Special Education Community of Transition State Leadership Team and Conference Planning Committee and also the National Association of State Directors of Special Education Transition Partnership. I am also a member of the Western Region Office of Disabilities Programs Quality Improvement Council; Vice President of the PA Conference of the Executives of The Arc; National Conference of the Executives of the Arc; and the Indiana County Area Society for Human Resource Management. I have been a presenter on special education issues at the PA Transition Conferences, Council for Exceptional Children conference, and the National Association of State Directors of Special Education National Conferences in Louisville and Washington DC.

Through my involvement with local, state and national organizations, as well as, my participation as an attendee and an invited presenter at local, state and national conferences, I have learned to identify barriers and best practices by asking questions and listening; to build partnerships in the local, state and national community; and to then share the information and implement programs within the Indiana community so all children will become successful, contributing adults in heir local, state, national and global community.

No Child Left Behind is scheduled to be reauthorized by Congress in 2007. The reauthorization will assure appropriate skill advancement and assessment of all students. Teachers will not only be highly qualified but also be required to be effective teachers who will work together with each other and with families, so that all students will become life-long learners who value healthy lifestyles and will gain the skills necessary to become responsible adults who will be contributing members of their local, state, national and worldwide community. I attended a Disabilities Policy Seminar in Washington, DC on March 6 and visited our legislators on Capitol Hill to emphasis the importance of fully funding and implementing not only No Child Left Behind but also the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act so all children will become healthy, responsible, and productive citizens.

I have read the PA School Boards Association Standards for Effective School Governance and I agree that school boards govern by reviewing, revising, and adopting board policy and delegate to the superintendent responsibility for implementation of board policy. Input for new policies or revisions should come from not only administration, but also teachers, families, students and the community. Implementation of policies is the responsibility of the superintendent who will work cooperatively with the building principals to implement the policies with teachers, students, parents and other school personnel.

Funding for education must be based on the schools need to provide students with an educational program that is going to provide the students with skills to become productive citizens. We, as a community, need to have a total fiscal review to look at ways to decrease costs, eliminate duplication of services, and more effectively utilize our resources. We need to continuously research ways to provide each student with the education he/she needs to be successful. Indiana Area School District has been granted an exemption from Act 1 and we must continue to be aware of the taxpayer’s burden. As citizens, we need to contact our state legislators regarding school funding. There is a 3% increase for education in the PA proposed budget. I will be attending a legislative reception on April 23 in Harrisburg to talk to our legislators about the importance of funding education in our local school districts.

Rosella B. Tripodi
Indiana
1936
Dem/Rep

QUESTION 1: What in your background, training and experience qualifies you to be an effective school board member?

I attended IUP, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education, completed a Master’s Degree in Reading and a Reading Supervisory Certificate. I continued my graduate studies in reading, testing and measurements, statistics, and special education at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School.

My career with the Indiana Area School District encompassed various positions—elementary classroom teacher, reading specialist at both the elementary and junior high schools, Title I Coordinator (responsible for fiscal management, dissemination of No Child Left Behind requirements and implementation) and Grant Writer. Throughout my career in public school, I was a committee member in different disciplines and assisted in planning instruction and writing curriculum for both the elementary and junior high school and was a member of Strategic Planning Committees.

I have been a member of the International Reading Association, the Indiana Reading Council—for which I served as President—the Keystone State Reading Association and Pennsylvania Association of Federal Program Coordinators. As a member of these organizations, I presented at conferences, was a member of numerous conference committees in planning and organizing future conferences. These experiences encouraged me to make every effort to stay abreast of education trends and to seek opportunities for exploring new ideas and programs that may be used to advantage in the district.

During my tenure as Title I Coordinator, a Title I Summer School Program was developed which included workshops for parents. Further, a Partnership in Learning for Kids workshop was initiated which included all seven Indiana County School Districts. This was a successful endeavor as all the school reading specialists shared topical experiences in teaching parents strategies and introducing precise information that would educate parents as a means to helping their children.

As a Grant Writer, I interacted with all faculties when researching and writing grants that would enhance all aspects of education. We were successful in procuring a number of important grants, among which was the Carol White Physical

Education Grant, Enhancing Education Through Technology Grant, and Teaching American History Grant.

My career in education included monitoring school district’s federal programs for the Pennsylvania Department of Education Federal Programs to ensure fiscal and academic success at the local level. Since retirement, I am again serving as a State Monitor of Federal Programs.

I am married to Dr. Paul D. Tripodi, parent of three children who graduated from Indiana Area School District (an Optometrist, a Lawyer and a Registered Nurse). Presently, three of my four grandchildren (Adrienne, Maren, and Sloane) are students in the district while the eldest, Auden Healey, graduated and is attending the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Experiences in the classroom, interaction with parents, faculty, community members, state department officials, personnel at school districts throughout the state and nationally, have enriched my understanding of the responsibility and necessity of preparing an effective, positive, and successful learning environment for the children of today as well as all children of tomorrow.

I am seeking the Republican and Democratic nominations for the Indiana Area School District Board of School Directors. Through my school experiences and interactions and communications with others on multiple levels, I believe that I understand the role of school boards in the education system.

Serving as a member of the Indiana Area School District Board of School Directors is a challenge for which I am prepared. I would appreciate your support and vote in the primary election on Tuesday, May 15, 2007.

American schools should be held accountable for results and certainly should include standardized tests of basic academic skills but should also create a balanced accountability system that would emphasize children’s growth in becoming healthy, responsible and productive citizens. This could include and make use of measures that are difficult to standardize (measures of physical fitness, i.e. upper body strength, body mass index) but would also serve as valid measurements of a schools’ physical education programs. Further examples may include student writings and analysis of contemporary issues, the arts, i.e, music, sciences and debates. Research has proven that students who engage in active physical activity, music and art are better students. This may not necessitate an assessment of every student every year but perhaps a periodic random sample of students would be sufficient. These measures may also be as simple as to whether young graduates register and vote, participate as volunteers in the community, become political appointees, and members of the business community. This type of “assessment” should also encapsulate unofficial teams from among professional educators, the business community, representatives from political groups, and community groups who judge not only the school facilities but also more importantly, observe the quality of instruction in the classroom, and whether students are engaged in group activities that encourages critical thinking and teamwork which is essential in their future careers.

I do agree with the governance that school boards govern by reviewing, revising and adopting board policy and delegate these policies to the superintendent for implementation. Suggestions or requests for policies may come from teachers, students, parents, the community or administrators. Two main decisions in developing policy includes: what the issues are and what the boundaries are for addressing them. The coordination and supervision of all aspects of the operation of any school system is pursuant to the policies of the board and the resulting development and maintenance of an effective learning environment. The Superintendent of Schools, as the chief executive officer of the district, provides the leadership necessary to support these objectives. The Board also recognizes that the quality of the District’s schools is also in large measure, dependent upon securing maximum participation of the administrative staff. The management team coexists in an advisory capacity and participates in decision making where appropriate. Building Principals of each school and his/her assistant are responsible for the internal management of the schools within the established policies and

administrative regulations. Proper administration of the schools is most vital to a successful education program. This leadership—vision, initiative, resourcefulness, and consideration and concern for staff members, students, parents, and others—are essential for effective administration.

A comprehensive education system is essential to the cultural, intellectual and economic well being of our community. Support of our educational institution must not foster the duplication of services and thus waste of tax dollars. There is a need to closely examine each school budget. Track the sources of funding and examine the taxpayer’s burden. A total fiscal review, which also reviews what present costs are, and the projected costs to maintaining a challenging school program is crucial in sensible fiscal planning. This should include any possible decreased enrollment, teacher attrition, other staff, school upkeep and maintenance. A comprehensive review of other districts, which may have previously undertaken such a study and adopted strategies that have been effective in realizing cost reductions, could provide relevant information to funding decreases and/or eliminations in balancing the school budget. Input from all entities, the school, public, business community and local university would be excellent sources in providing information in tailoring education to student educational needs for their future career objectives or goals. Maintaining this educational network is a necessity and is an investment in the future of our children.

Joseph E. Trimarchi
Indiana
1951
Dem/Rep

QUESTION 1: What in your background, training and experience qualifies you to be an effective school board member?

I have many years of Business and Banking experience. My experience in business really began as a child working in a family owned business. Banking and lending provide a background in business experience, management experience, and a sense of judgment, all of which come into play as part of a School Board. I have been around the Educational field for many years also, through my wife Carolyn, who is an educator. Since being on the Board, I have taken advantage of many of the opportunities available to Board Members on Educational issues. It has helped significantly. Moving forward in a reasonable manner is what most people have told me they prefer of a School Board Member.

First, I do not agree that NCLB uses all or most of the student’s time. NCLB and the Iowa Lighthouse Project, a study that has provided the Board with great information, are more about leadership from the top down. Expectations, attempting to take students to new levels are not bad concepts. Funding is a different problem.Other areas that emphasize how children grow to become healthy, responsible and productive citizens are music, art, athletics, band, plays working part-time jobs, donating time to charities, spending time with good role models, discipline, having a good attitude, a good work ethic… and the list continues. There is a long tradition of a well-rounded education at IASD.

I do agree with the statement. I agree with the statement because it is the best way for a Board to conduct business. The Board adopted the Standards and the Code early in the process. There is some confusion about this statement, the committee system, and micro managing, however. It is very possible for a board to have a committee system and not micro manage. The Committee system enables Board Members to discuss issue among themselves, administrators, professional staff, and the public, gather advice, and learn the most they are able to learn about the issues so they can make a more informed decision. The idea is to make the best decision possible. Micro managing is an issue between the Board and the Superintendent.

Most areas of the District will likely be affected at some point in the future by this issue. This is a serious issue moving forward not just for the Board, but also for all of the stakeholders in the District. There are a number of tough decisions to be made concerning sports, extra curriculum activities and programming. Those decisions have to be made with student achievement in mind. I feel the more proactive we are as a community today in facing these decisions, the more opportunities we will have tomorrow.The planning process the Board has recently started will assist in this area. It will prioritize what we do and what we have to do to maintain and increase student achievement in the future. Working together as a community is the way to be most successful and effective with this issue.

Bo McArdle
Indiana
1987
Dem/Rep

QUESTION 1: What in your background, training and experience qualifies you to be an effective school board member?

I am a recent graduate of IHS(2005). During my Senior Year, I was elected as class president, which helped to demonstrate my leadership abilities and gave me a unique perspective on different school activities and how they are run. I have 2 brothers who are enrolled at the Indiana Senior High, and 2 sisters and 1 brother at Eisenhower. I am very interested that this School Board adopt policy that greatly enhances our districts ability to attain greater standards without overspending taxpayers money. I am currently working at two jobs. This helps to demonstrate a solid work ethic. Working in a competitive environment, provides me with opportunities to work with people on a professional level.

Social Studies is a great subject that needs to be greatly emphasized. In the "Global Community" in which we live, it is important for our students to have a greater understanding of neighboring countries and of their cultures. Physical education is another field that should be improved and be integrated into students lives at a greater level to help them maintain a healthy physical lifestyle well beyond their time in the Indiana Area Schools.

Yes, I very much agree with the statement. It gives the board greater time to concentrate on making policy rather than being stuck trying to implement it as well. The superintendent is therefore able to execute the policies adopted by the board and held accountable for implementation. Because the school board is made up of citizens, who may not have the professional training to fully implement the policies they have adopted, they need to work in a partnership with the superintendent to fulfill the goals that they have set for our schools.

It is always difficult to meet the diverse needs of our students and remain fiscally responsible. But I would say that Core Education Subjects must come first and many of our extra curricular activities' funds could be decreased or, in a worse case scenario, eliminated. It is the responsibility of the school board to constantly monitor all available programs and evaluate how well they meet the needs of our students. In this way, the school board can determine the best allocations of funds and determine if a program is having an impact on the general population of students and the community at large. If the situation would arise, I would look for alternatives for keeping a program or subject before voting to eliminate it.

Joseph F. Girardi
Indiana
1947
Dem/Rep

QUESTION 1: What in your background, training and experience qualifies you to be an effective school board member?

For the past thirty-two years, I have been an educator in the Indiana Area School District. During my tenure I have served on many curriculum development committees and have worked to devise and implement a variety of teaching strategies. I have attended both the University of Pittsburgh as well as Indiana University of Pennsylvania taking advanced graduate education courses which has allowed me to stay abreast of the most current educational learning philosophies and practices. I have been a part of the evolutionary changes in the educational program in Indiana and fully understand the ramifications such changes can have on students, educators, and school administrators. Coinciding with my career as an educator, I have developed a successful restoration and retail antique business. Over the years I have had to develop the skills necessary to cope with both the financial as well as the governmental regulations placed on small businesses. In so doing, I have developed a keen sense of monetary restraint that provides the greatest yield from the available resources while meeting the guidelines placed upon any business through government regulations. I firmly believe that my first-hand experiences in both the business and educational arenas have provided me with unique insights that could enable me to fully serve as a rational and intuitive member of the school board.

I have always maintained the premise that education at all levels must be a totally encompassing experience. Although the No Child Left Behind Initiative focuses primarily on reading, math and science, those three areas alone do not constitute the basis for a well-rounded education. As a professional educator, I have embraced the concept of integrating the arts and humanities, as well as basic life skill experiences into the framework of these core subjects. When I have employed this strategy in presenting heretofore relatively disjointed educational concepts, the students have found a more tangible reason for learning especially when it could be related to applications within their corporeal world. Although the emphasis on testing for this mandated government program is so time consuming, I firmly believe that through integrative teaching techniques the total education of our children can be achieved while meeting the goals set forth by the No Child Left Behind initiative.

I am in total agreement with the statement concerning effective school governance as it pertains to the responsibilities of the school board of directors. A school district is in many ways akin to any major corporation. Just as the CEO of a corporation is responsible for the leadership and ultimate success or failure of the corporation, so too, does the superintendent of a school district share this same responsibility for leadership and the outcomes of the leadership responsibility. The role of the board for both a school district as well as a corporation is to affirm or negate the outlined course set by its leaders. I firmly believe that the Indiana Area School District has in place a highly competent superintendent capable of undertaking the leadership of the district. The board must now assume its designated role as outlined for its members by the Pennsylvania School Board Association which is primarily that of questioning or supporting policy based on the recommendations of the administration.

The cost of public school education like all segments of the economy is spiraling upward. These costs ultimately fall on the shoulders of the local taxpayers. Realizing that the majority of a school district’s budget is fixed through contractual obligations, actual manipulation of the remaining funds is very minimal. Rather than focusing solely on the elimination or reduction of spending, I would offer the antithesis, that of seeking alternative funding sources, coupled with the implementation of a collaborative spending program. If enacted it could ultimately maximize the benefits derived from those funds available. I would like to explore the possibility of forming a purchasing consortium with surrounding districts. This consortium could then negotiate the lowest price possible for all goods and services commonly used throughout the member districts. With the increasing availability of corporate sponsors and grant initiatives, I would seek to initiate the exploration for securing these funding sources as a means of decreasing the tax burden placed on the district taxpayers. The expanded search for these sources of funding could be accomplished through the use of professional grant writers who, working on a percentage basis and with no initial cost to the district, would secure this additional funding. If successful it would enable the district to maintain already existing programs while developing new programs as additional revenues become available. Both of these initiatives have the potential for maintaining and possibly improving the financial and educational stability of the school district with no cost to district taxpayers.