Indiana County, Pennsylvania

MAY 15, 2007 PRIMARY ELECTION  

PENNS MANOR 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.  

REGION I
4 YEAR TERM (VOTE FOR TWO)

Robert Oakes
Clymer
Dem/Rep

REGION II
4 YEAR TERM (VOTE FOR TWO)

Joette A. Dudeck
Penn Run
Dem/Rep

John E. Sutila
Clymer
Dem/Rep

REGION III
4 YEAR TERM

Jill A. Eckenrode
Heilwood
1958
Dem/Rep

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

I am a graduate of Penns Manor High School and have been a resident of the school district for most of my life. I served the district for 22 years (from 1985 – 2006) as the high school majorette coach. During that time, I had the unique opportunity to work closely with students, parents and school officials. As a result, I was able to view various situations from different perspectives, and I developed an understanding of how students and their families perceive the district, their educational needs and policies in general. I also have four children, two of which have already graduated from Penns Manor, and two who are still students in the district (one in high school and one in elementary). My decision to run for school director was based on my strong commitment to the district and its residents as well as quality education. This district and the people it serves are extremely important to me and, if elected, I vow to serve the people, not my own personal agenda.

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?

It is my firm belief that our children need to have a firm grasp of the English language before they can flourish with their educational goals. In addition, social studies, writing/speaking skills and health are vital areas that deserve equal attention. I believe the most important concept of the issue in general is to ensure that educational providers give equal attention to all students and not just those who are “easiest” to educate.

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 do agree with this statement. In order for a school district to be strong and effective, it needs strong and effective leadership not only from the Board of Education, but from a qualified, knowledgeable and innovative superintendent. While I believe it is vital for the superintendent to adhere to policies adopted by the Board of Education, it is also important for that person to have the authority to make his/her own decisions as well. An effective superintendent cannot be a “puppet on a string” to the Board. While the superintendent needs to have a good working relationship with the Board as well as a complete understanding of what is required/expected, he/she also needs to be a capable individual who is able to stand alone when necessary and able to express his/her feelings freely toward the betterment of the district.

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?

As an individual who has never served on the Board, I do not feel I can realistically answer this question at this point in time. Although I do have some personal thoughts, I would first need to become familiar with the specifics of the district’s current budget prior to making decisions in a fair, effective and ethical manner. I can certainly say that I would refrain from voting to decrease or eliminate funding in any area until all possible options were reviewed, and any decision made on my part would be carefully thought out with the best interest of the school district and its residents in mind.