Transparency? and Openness? Where?

Every two years North Penn voters hear the political rhetoric by challengers calling for more respect, transparency, and openness. They tell voters the current school board doesn’t respect teachers. They claim they are friends of the taxpayer. They claim it’s time for change.

On Tuesday North Penn voters have a clear choice between two slates for school board. The Republican team of Timothy Kerr, Frank O’Donnell, Vincent Sherpinsky, and Josie Charnock. All of the Republicans have a proven record of protecting students, taxpayers, and property values. Under their leadership North Penn has record high student achievement, one of the lowest administrative costs and per pupil expenditures in Montgomery County, and the 5th lowest tax rate of 21 school districts in Montgomery County.

Our opponents team is called NEXT STEP and they’re campaigning for voters to respect teachers more. Well of course they respect teachers more because they’re being backed, funded, and were endorsed by the teacher’s union. They are calling for change without ever publicly shared their actual plans for change. They are asking voters to just trust their slick campaign ads and political promises.

So, what can voters truly expect from the STEP candidates? Two years ago two other STEP candidates were elected to school board and the first official vote for our annual budget was a nay vote because the school board didn’t raise taxes high enough. This is a public record. So what should voters believe about the NEXT STEP candidates?    

As an incumbent on the ballot Tuesday, I have a strong bias for my fellow runningmates, our record, and the goals we have accomplished. As an educator and school board member I have a unique perspective of the challenges and rewards that teachers, administrators, and school boards face in providing a quality education for our kids. As a board member, I understand and have experienced the weight my decisions have made on the community, the District, and especially the kids. As a volunteer, I know the hours and the ownership one feels in their District when they give of their time and talents to make our District better. As a father, I understand the anxiety parents feel about how the school their child goes to will impact that child’s life.

I hope people get out and vote on Tuesday.