Meet School Board Candidate Herbert C. Payung

Herbert "Herb" C. Payung
 
Age:  54
 
Family:  Married, four children
 
Political Party Affiliation: Cross-filed
 
Tell us about your educational background: Burlington Co. Comm. College; Business
 
Tell us about your professional/business background:

• President, Old World Tile, Inc.
• Hellertown Police Pension Board 1995-current,  Chairman 1997-current
• SVSB 2005-2007:  Facility Chairman, Beth Vo-tech and COG rep

Why are you running for school board?

The past 5 years, we've had 4 years of unsettled teachers contracts.  This has lead to countless educational disruptions to our 2000+ students and their families along with a feeling of uncertainty to our paid professionals.  We can't continue like this if we want provide a high level of education and be able to retain quality teachers.
 
What qualifies you to serve on the board?

While on The Board (05-07) and Facility Chair, saved the district over 3 million dollars in capital improvements.  Voted to rescind the land condemnation, another 3 million plus legal fees.  All accomplished without cutting a single teacher or educational program.
 
What do you see as the board's primary role and responsibilities?

Provide the highest level of educational services without straining tax-payers.

What's your position on outsourcing school bus drivers' jobs? NO. The influx of fast cash would never equal the quality of services we currently have and would cost more in the long run. During an emergency, the school buildings, buses and drivers are at the disposal of the community and can be mobilized in minutes.

SV teachers went on strike in 2005, 2008 and 2009, and they are currently working without a contract. Do you support the pay freeze teachers have been asked to accept, along with other district employees? What do you think must happen to avert another strike?

In good times, you need to be responsible.  In bad times, everyone needs to tighten their belts. The key is maintaining an even keel at all times.  Without knowing exactly what's being negotiated, I believe we would have a contract if it were as simple as a 1/2 year pay freeze.
 
The words, "Contract Settled in SV", will one day appear.  It won't say, "Agreed Upon." Before the ink dries, we will be back to another "negotiation" process.  From one bitter 3 year period to the next.  This is unhealthy for all parties.  Maybe if the process were a little more open, it would go smoother. 

Tell us about any other major challenges facing the school district and how you would address them. (Please be as specific as possible):

It should not be an "Us vs Them" mentality. Create a stronger, healthier and respectful relationship between the School District and the Community. We are, Saucon Valley.
 
How much are you spending to run? How is your campaign being funded?

About $250.00. Personally

What, if any, endorsements have you received?

None that I know of.
 
Do you use social media? If so, please provide links to your Facebook and Twitter.

Declined to answer.