A PENN-DELCO School Board That Works for All
Vote for change November 2, 2021
As community members and parents we want to use our skills and experience to ensure that the PENN-DELCO School District works for the entire community.
Our Vision
- Enact improvements to make Penn-Delco School District more competitive regionally in educational programs and performance
- Create educational opportunities that meet the needs of all students in our district
- Partner with community businesses and resources on innovative programs
- Increase public participation and communication
- Improve transparency and fiscal discipline
Jason Coleman
What I stand for:
Voice for progress and change
The monolithic point of view of the school board of directors is not serving our diverse community. I want to be a voice for change in our community.
Safe Inclusive Learning Environment
Our current bullying policy leaves the onus on the student being bullied to remove themselves from the situation. It is urgent that we address this policy and ensure all students feel welcome and included in our schools.
Equitable Educational Opportunities
I am committed to the Penn-Delco Community equity initiative and want to ensure we close the achievement gaps and ensure our schools provide equitable educational opportunities for all students.
Melissa Lavery
What I stand for:
Excellence in Education
An excellent curriculum is one that teaches students to think critically and creatively. Learning how to navigate relationships with others, solve complex problems, and use 21st Century technology are the ways we can provide a wealth of opportunity. Let’s challenge students to take pride in obtaining a Ready for Life education.
Supporting the Whole Child
Public education is a way to support the children in our community, providing them opportunities to engage their emotional, physical, and mental intelligences. Children should have opportunities to explore in a safe environment, understanding that their unique needs matter.
Accountability and Transparency
Public engagement is invaluable to School Board operations. Open communication requires welcoming input from teachers, parents/guardians, and administration. The role of a School Board is to govern in the most benevolent way for the children of our community. That role includes being a role model, taking their needs into account, and listening to all stakeholders.
Advocating for Teachers
Teachers are at the forefront of our community’s role in educating our young members. They are professionals with expertise in their field, and we trust them to know what are the best methods for delivering curriculum. Their perspective is imperative to the process, and we must respect and support their profession.
Anna Truskin
What I stand for:
Educational Opportunities
I believe students and their families should have a variety of choices for their educational experience within the Penn-Delco schools. Every student is unique, with different learning needs, interests, and goals. I support programs such as optional online or blended courses, internships, and offering a variety of elective and enrichment courses to allow our schools to better serve our students.
Community Engagement
I believe all efforts should be made by the School Board to engage as many members of the school community as possible by including students, parents, taxpayers, and employees in decisions that affect our district.
Supporting Educational Professionals
I have spent almost a decade teaching at the middle and high school levels. I know firsthand the challenges teachers face and the importance of valuing their experience and training. I am also aware of the significance of the educational community that is required to support our students. Paraprofessionals, transportation staff, nurses, and everyone that works in our schools are a part of our students’ education and should be respected, heard, and supported.
Jeff Truskin
What I stand for:
Strategic Direction
Penn-Delco has consistently ranked well below our neighboring districts in a number of metrics. The School Board needs to articulate a coherent strategy to close that gap and give students and teachers the tools to fully reach their potential.
Change is Needed
- Penn-Delco must become a more welcoming community for all students and School Board members should foster such an environment both within and outside of their explicit Board responsibilities.
- Educators and students must be trusted to think for themselves and not a single taxpayer dollar should go toward installing cameras to spy on kids in the classroom.
- All School Board members should sign a pledge that nepotism/favoritism will not enter into any hiring decisions and avoid even the appearance of this in the future
Transparency and Financial Discipline
School Board meetings should always be broadcast live and remote participants should have the opportunity to share comments. Additional information should be provided to the public that details how the $67 million budget is being spent to ensure that the district is being responsible with taxpayer money.
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Paid for by Excellence in Education, a non-partisan PAC
PENN-DELCO School Board Change 2021 