Get to Know Seth Grant, Candidate for School Board

Ambler Patch: How would you balance the district budget? Would you use to help balance the budget?

Seth Grant: I have been balancing the budget by carefully analyzing the district needs and only approving necessary expenditures. We have always maintained a healthy fund balance, which is 8% of our total budget as mandated by state guidelines. We have used our fund balance to avoid tax increases. It is after all your money.

AP: One of the Board goals is to support a “.” How would you help support this goal?

SG: It is absolutely essential that our students master technology. They must have the ability to use technology for research. Students must also be able to use many different computer software programs and present their work through technology, such as in a power point presentation.

However, I am not convinced that one on one computer learning is better than a teacher’s instruction. No computer can bring a classroom alive like Mrs. French, Mr. Heppe, Mr. Mulherin, Mr. Joyce, Mr. Stokes and many other wonderful teachers.

AP: This year the Wissahickon School District encountered issues with its . How would you remedy this problem so it doesn’t happen in the future?

SG: I have listened extremely carefully to the affected families. I have identified three problem areas:

1.)  Lack of communication – parents have not been able to contact the consortium

2.)  Poorly prepared bus drivers – bus drivers get lost or take a longer route than is necessary

3.)  Excessive time riding the bus – students are on the bus too long

All of the issues are currently being addressed by the administration. If service does not improve we will have to leave the transportation consortium.

AP: Student Achievement is one of the Board’s goals. How would you support this as a board member?

SG: I would support student achievement by looking at successful and innovative ways that other top tier districts have advanced student education. One such method that is employed at many private schools is block scheduling. Essentially, we would have less periods and longer classes. The benefit is less wasted time travelling between classes and students getting situated and prepared to learn. It is a proven method that extends instruction time and thus, improves achievement.

AP: Transparency and Accountability is important to the residents of the Wissahickon School District. What do Transparency and Responsibility mean to you?

SG: We are a transparent board by holding open public meetings where all decisions are made. In addition, we have a great website that provides a wealth of information about the district. We are accountable to taxpayers by not raising taxes in four out of the last six years. We are also accountable to students, preparing them for rigorous college work, or if they choose, a job where they can find satisfaction.