Meet School Board Candidate Janie Hecker

Janie A. Hecker

Age: 63

Family: Husband Wayne, Adult daughters, Jody C. Hecker and Melissa J. (Hecker) Scott. Son-in law, Clarence Scott

Political party affiliation: Cross-filed

Tell us about your educational background:

I am a graduate of Hellertown Lower Saucon High School (Saucon Valley). I received a B.S. El. Ed. From Kutztown [State College]University ; M.Ed. from Lehigh University with Reading Specialist Certification. Returned to Lehigh University to receive certification in Supervision of Curriculum and Instruction and Letter of Eligibility for School Superintendent[2005]

Tell us about your professional/business background:

I served as a remedial teacher for 27 years and the Supervisor of Auxiliary Services for 13 years at Colonial Intermediate Unit 20. I retired with 40 years of service in March 2013.

Why are you running for school board?

I have been involved with the education of children and adults my entire life. My work and many of my volunteer activities are centered on improving educational opportunities. I have been blessed with the knowledge and experience about schools and education and wish to serve my community.

What qualifies you to serve on the board?

I have lived in the community since I was 11years old, have been active in the Hellertown Library, GFWC PA Saucon Valley Woman’s Club, Girl Scouts, New Jerusalem Lutheran Church, and served eight years on the Saucon Valley School Board[1996-2003].  I have experience and knowledge about quality of the educational program and the governance of a school district.

What do you see as the board's primary role and responsibilities?

To pass policies that govern school practices and procedures ,to hire and maintain qualified and effective staff, to approve the academic program, and to compose a balanced budget.

What's your position on outsourcing school bus drivers' jobs?

I oppose this move. Every few years boards look at outsourcing their transportation services and each time the results have indicated that initially the district would save money but over the long term, the bus company will call the shots on costs because they will own the fleet of buses and the district could not afford to purchase an entire fleet. I feel strongly that the district should maintain their own workers. Local employees are more invested in and know our students. With current concerns about school violence and bullying issues, one of the places where school should have seamless influence is while students are on the bus. I do not feel confident that this would happen if transportation was outsourced.

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?

No one can debate that economic issues are not a high concern.  I think the key to any contractual agreement is both parties bargaining in good faith. Bad and good economic cycles will continue- the bottom line is that the parties must treat each other with honesty, fairness, and respect.

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

I would like to work with our state legislators on a better funding method than the unfair system that is currently used- the state needs to step up and provide more funding and take the burden off of the homeowner. I am concerned about the loss of tax dollars to cyber charter schools that do not offer our students a quality education. We must look at how a small school district can broaden course offerings at the high school level.

How much are you spending to run? How is your campaign being funded?

I have spent less than $50 to date.  Currently, I am using my own resources.

What, if any, endorsements have you received?

None at this time

Do you use social media? If so, please provide links to your Facebook and Twitter.

Not at this time.