David Siedell - Closing Remarks from Candidate Forum

This link will take you to the beginning of my closing remarks.

1.      I will make decisions in terms of the educational welfare of children and will seek to develop and maintain public schools that meet the individual needs of all children regardless of their ability, race, creed, sex, or social standing.

2.     I will carry out my responsibility, not to administer the schools, but, together with my fellow board members, to see that they are well run.

These are 2 of the 10 codes every would-be and current member of the Board of Education so Swears to uphold. It bears repeating it is our responsibility, not to administer the schools, but to see that they are well run.

We have a school system that academically produces the strongest students of any school, public or private, anywhere south of Princeton and one of the top public schools in all of New Jersey.

We have a school system that also provides a spirit of bonding, cooperation and teamwork that has won every Shoprite cup ever awarded to a group 2 school,  one that creates wonderful plays like the upcoming "Lizzie's Scrapbook" – a real testament to our long term consistency as a community.

Our students shine regionally and nationally in every age group be it Science Olympiads, Olympics of the Mind, National Merit Scholars, AP exams, even in their commitment to community service.

I have to admit to you all that I do have an agenda. My agenda is to uphold, improve and enhance the progress we have made over many years in Haddonfield.

We all make an investment in educating our youth. Paying it forward has been part of the social deal for generations. In our 21st century global economy – and with our students competing globally for the rest of their lives – now is the time to make the necessary decisions to ensure our district is well run, and for our educators and administration to produce students ready for that competition.

My name is David Siedell and I hope I have earned your trust and vote to help keep Haddonfield Schools the best they can be.

Thank you for listening and to the Zone PTA and the League of Women Voters for this forum and to my fellow candidates.