Why are you running as a write-in candidate at such a late signup?
It's probably easier to explain why I am not running. I like what the school district has done and the direction we're headed. I love working with Dr. Parkinson, Dr. Palubinsky and Mr. Ramsey on community-related activities. I'm at the high school at least 10 times a week and I see a lot of happy, polite kids who want to learn.
The school district has done well academically and financially on a local and nation level. The entrepreneurial side is picking up steam via the fbla and other clubs. I am always excited to see students who enjoy their studies and compliment them with real work experience.
We need to pay attention to the bottom 90%: smart students who may not want to attend school fulltime after high school or whose parents may not have the financing available for college, but who will need real-life skills to get a job or start a business.
But what really inspired me to run happened a few months ago. Poor communication between the school district and taxpayers resulted in shouting, cursing and threats to someone's employment. That is not the way to live, especially when the situation probably could've been resolved with a few phone calls the month before.
What are your goals?
I am a media expert and will use my skills to better inform the community of what is happening. Online, offline, internet and social media can all help taxpayers communicate better and get others involved so we're happy about decisions that are made educating our children. There is nothing worse than hearing from a parent who didn't know about a decision made regarding their child's education and now it's too late to change the decision.
I work from home most afternoons and taxpayers are welcome to call me with their concerns, requests, problems or other issues with the school district. 610-917-0587. Many parents are not comfortable speaking directly with a coach, teacher or administrator regarding a situation so they reach out to me and I can often help them confidentially solve their problem.
I am friends with the entire administration and school board and enjoy working with them every day. They really want to help but can't help if someone doesn't ask. Sometimes a confidential phone call is all it takes to fix something.
A write-in is a very long shot to win a seat. You have to write my name on the ballot as I did not participate in the primaries. I think the worst case is, even if I don't win, this election will continue to grow my position as someone who can facilitate communication between the community, administration and school board. Board member 9.5 isn't such a bad thing...
What is the hardest part about running?
The nicknames. ObaMike? OmbudsMike? ILikeMike. Maybe the last one...
Thank you for reading and getting involved.
Mike Ellis
PASD taxpayer
