Additional League of Women Voters Questions

By Susan E. Stern

At a recent League of Women Voters Candidiate Forum, some questions were not answered. Here are the answers to those questions

I would advocate participation in decision-making by suggesting that, at regular intervals, there be an altered format to School Board meetings. Meeting structured to allow for more open participation between the board and its citizens.

If elected to the Board, how would you enforce the Sunshine Act when meeting in executive session?

I would first request that specific guidelines be given to me regarding the Sunshine Law to understand fully the implications of the law. Beyond that, I believe that the general topics of executive sessions can be shared with the public, with enough specific information to give the public a sense of the topics being discussed, without revealing sensitive information.

Currently, the President of the Board selects committee chairmen. Do you agree with this process and why?

I don't see a problem with this approach per se, given that the sitting Board elects the Board President. If there were other suggestions or approaches to this process, I would certainly be willing to listen to them and give them consideration.

Given NCLB and its emphasis on bringing everyone up to a minimal level or standard, what do you, as a future board member, consider your role to be in supporting high achieving and gifted students?

There has been, in the past, an administrative position dedicated to Gifted Learning. This post seems to have gone away, without explanation. I would like to reinstate it, or fill the position if empty, to refocus efforts on coordinating the needs of children who perform at this end of the spectrum.

How do you plan to keep the lines of communication open between the board, the teachers, and the community?

I would first ask the constituents what they would like to see as efforts for open lines of communication. I would, perhaps, consider a "posting board" on the RTSD website for parents, teachers, etc., to make communications. Finally, I believe the community forums can be an effective way to engage people, but the meetings must be scheduled at times that are workable for the community, for example, a special evening board meeting.

How will you engage teachers in constructive dialogue to solicit their input and increase the exchange of ideas between the Board, district administrators, and professional educators?

Again, I believe a first step would be to ask the teachers what suggestions they may have for this increased dialogue. A posting board on the Distrist's employee website may also be an opportunity for teachers to raise questions, thoughts ideas, etc. in a manner that it non-threatening.

How important is it to you that the superintendent and the teachers have a positive, mutually supportive relationship and what would you do with regard to that relationship?

Clearly, it is important to the morale and effectiveness of the District for there to be a mutually positive relationship between the Superintendent and teachers. The building administrators also play a large role in that relationship. I would not have the Superintendent directly involved in teacher contract negotiations, as that complicates the nature of the relationship.

What do you see as the ideal relationship between the Board and superintendent?

I see a role that involves checks and balances. The Superintendent has a clear vision and goals for the District, and ideas to move forward in that direction. The Board sets policies to support that vision, but asks for on-going updates and assessments that the District is in fact moving toward these identified goals. The Superintendent might bring forth initiatives that cost money and the Board would ask for supporting information to justify expenditure of money. At some identified point in the future, the Board would request information to determine if, in fact, the initiative is successful.

What is your vision for technology in our schools? How do you intend to fund and maintain this ever-increasing need?

My vision for technology is that it must always be in support of, and not replace, basic skills for learning. Technology is a tool that, when used effectively and with skill, enhances learning. Just as with any curriculum need, I believe in a careful assessment of the need before a large expenditure of money. I believe there has to be an ongoing plan for capital expenditure for technology.

If you are not selected to be a part of the board leadership, how do you plan to change the flaws that have been pointed out in the current school board "process."

I would continue to communicate to the Board, in a respectful manner, my thoughts on process. When I see a problem with the process, I speak up. It is important for the Board to understand that, when there is a good decision-making process in place, the public will more readily accept decisions made by the Board, even when they disagree with the actual decision.

Do you believe there should be term limits for Board members? Why or why not?

I don't believe in term limits for the Board. I trust the voters to make changes when the need arises. I think there is value in having some members of the Board with experience and, with a Board election every two years, there is much opportunity for growth and dynamic change within the Board.

In this year's budget, the district spent more money than it took in. Would you support pay as you go in the future?

I believe in a pay as you go spending policy, with one exception. When there are clearly defined, long-term capital expenditures that have been identified and "saved" for, I would utilize those capital accounts to fund them.

Do you believe that the documents of local government should be open with few exceptions? If so, would you vote to make this a policy of the school district in advance of legislative actions?

Yes, I do. I believe there is much room for improvement in access to public information in Pennsylvania

When was the last time you visited the schools and took part in a classroom activity?

Since it is relatively close to the beginning of the school year, I have not been in the classroom yet this year. I did volunteer during writer's workshop in my son's class last year. I am a Class Parent for his grade this year and expect to be involved with classroom activities when his teacher requests volunteers. I maintain on-going contact with children as a Cub Scout leader.