Get to Know Barbara Ullery, Candidate for Wissahickon School Board

BARBARA ULLERY (R/D)

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

Barbara Ullery: Currently the fund balance is in excess of what would be required to maintain our AAA bond rating.  It can be tapped in the current financial climate, but not forever.  The best thing long term is to balance the budget by containing costs.

AP: One of the Board goals is to support a “21^st Century Learner.” How would you help support this goal?

BU: I feel that new technology should always be examined to enhance the learning environment and the Board must critically evaluate all options presented by the administration.  Since technology is always in flux, the Board should look at what is current and if it fits its educational goals in order to avoid going 'technology crazy'. 

It is important that a broad range of courses be offered to the students.  Technology helps make this possible as online classes can be shared with other districts to offer specialized subjects.

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?

BU: The School Board is not responsible for setting the routes but the School Board members should be assured that the routes are tried and proven and that the bus drivers know the routes before students are on the buses.  This can be done by the Board requiring 'dry runs'.

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

BU: I would support using new technology and encourage the use of on-line courses for specialized subjects.  One method of learning/teaching is not necessarily good for all students; options should always be considered to tailor the best method to all students.  Technology should not replace a good student-teacher relationship.

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

BU: School Board meetings should be open to the public and the Board members should do their best to respond to residents' concerns.   The School Board should establish sound principals and guidelines to enhance the learning environment.