Meet East Penn School Board Candidate Z.W. Munson

Age:
42

Family:
I am married, with two children in the district (aged 8 and 12).

Political party affiliation:
I am a registered Republican.  I am cross-filed on both the Republican and Democratic ballots.

Educational background: 
I graduated from a public high school in Minnesota.  I received my BA from the University of Chicago, and both my MA and PhD from Harvard University.

Professional background:
I am an Associate Professor at Lehigh University, where I teach at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.  I am also the director of the Social Science Research Center, and sit on the Executive Board of the Lehigh Valley Research Consortium. 

Why are you running for East Pen School Board? 
I am running because I believe public education is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.  I want to support excellent schools in a balanced, fiscally responsible way.  My own children give me a strong stake in improving our schools and helping them adapt to the realities of a changed economy.   As a taxpayer, I am concerned about cutting waste in our schools, reforming the educational bureaucracy, and getting the best overall value for our tax dollars.  My wife's 2010 job loss due the recession and my mother-in-law's struggles on a fixed income have made the economic realities we face personal to me. 

What qualifies you to serve on the East Penn School Board? 
First and foremost, I am both a parent and taxpayer in the district.  Second, I have been active in my community for a decade now, as a trustee of the Emmaus Public Library, LMYA soccer coach, and PTO member and crossing guard at Lincoln Elementary School.  Third, my educational background gives me the training and expertise to tackle the complex educational and fiscal problems of the district.  And finally, my professional background in higher education gives me unique insight into both the successes and failures of our current public schools to prepare citizens for a changing world.

What do you see as the East Penn School Board's primary role and responsibilities? 
The primary role of the school board is to set the overall vision and direction of the district.  School boards are most successful when they are active in setting high standards, are responsive to the community, and are deeply knowledgeable about educational issues of teaching and learning.  They also bear significant responsibility for making the tough choices over how to best manage our limited resources for the greater good. 

Tell us about three major challenges facing the East Penn School Board and how you would address them (Please be as specific as possible):
The first major challenge is political partisanship.  Some on the board use it as a platform to push a partisan political agenda rather than staying focused on the concrete (and complex) problems our schools face.  I would address this problem by basing my decisions as a school board member on accurate and objective data.  I would gather information before making up my mind on the issues.  And I would avoid the political grandstanding that so often derails the school board from important business at hand.

The second major problem is inclusiveness.  The community is rightfully frustrated by the lack of any meaningful way for community members to have their voices heard and make positive contributions to the district.   I would address this problem by developing new means for both the school board and the administration to communicate with the community.  There are many ways to do this, ranging from simple changes to improve lines of communication to more ambitious efforts to create standing citizen organizations and board subcommittees.  I have knocked on hundreds of doors as part of this campaign and am humbled by the depth of interest and breadth of knowledge so many in the community have for improving public education. 

The third major problem is balance.  Much is at stake in our district.  There are no easy answers to the question of how to balance the need of our community for excellent public schools with the fiscal discipline required to keep taxes as low as possible.  I would address this problem with careful decision-making based on well-informed judgment.  I would take an inclusive approach that brings people together to find solutions to problems.  And I would listen to others, rather than relying on my pre-conceived ideas or political talking points on any particular issue.

How much are you spending to run?  How is your campaign being funded? 
I have spent approximately $1,000 in the campaign.  Most of this has been my own money, though I have received two contributions from personal friends living in the district (both for $100 or less).  I would welcome further financial support!  As a matter of ethics, I do not accept contributions from anyone living outside the district.

What, if any, endorsements have you received? 
I am proud of the many individual parents and taxpayers who have endorsed my campaign by displaying yard signs in their yards and in front of their businesses.  Citizens for Strong Communities, a local political organization, has also included my name with others on yard signs and flyers. 

Do you use social media?  If so, please provide links to your Facebook and Twitter. 
I write regularly about public education, local taxes, and related issues at:

Blog: http://www.munson4eastpenn.org/news.html

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/munson4eastpenn

Twitter: zwmunson