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Age
62
Current Job
Financial planner
Township or Borough of Residence
Elizabethtown
Qualifications
Have masters degree and a financial planner
Facebook Page
Bruce Kleindienst for school board
On our ticket is 2 republicans and 2 democrats so I know how to work together. Also in all of my work experiences I have had to help and learn to work with people of different backgrounds. In order to create a sense of unity you need to welcome and listen to opinions from all sides. There is always compromise to be found.
I think the students come first because they are the hope for the future. Getting and keeping good teachers is critical too. I know working together we can solve the problems facing our schools
Two of the top issues to be addressed is bullying and vaping .
The other issues should be dealt with kindness and compassion for the student and done on an individual basis
Everyones expenses have gone up and the school is no different. The tax increase needs to cover the expenses and not use up savings. Millions of dollars of cuts have been made but there has to be a balance between cuts and raising taxes.
Age
41
Current Job
Public School Teacher
Township or Borough of Residence
Mount Joy Township
Qualifications
I am in my 19th year as a secondary English teacher.
Facebook Page
www.facebook.com/kristyforschoolboard/
As an educator, collaboration has always been a key part of my job. The success of my students depends greatly on me being able to work well with other teachers, administrators, support staff and families. I would bring that mindset to the school board. In addition, over the course of my three campaigns, I’ve earned support from voters across the political spectrum because I focus on what unites us: a shared commitment to high-quality public education and the well-being of students. It is crucial that we come from a place of mutual respect, that we listen to one another, and that we put our political differences aside in order to do what's best for our students, our educators, and our community.
While all stakeholder groups are important, students must be at the center of any decision I make as a school director. Every policy we pass, every dollar we spend, and every hire we make ultimately impacts their education, safety, and well-being. The mission of the Elizabethtown Area School District aligns with the purpose of public education: to graduate students who are ready to live, learn and thrive in a global community. We cannot do this effectively if students are not the priority. However, this doesn’t mean we ignore taxpayers, families, or teachers. We should seek and consider feedback from all stakeholders when making our decisions.
All students and families deserve to feel safe, welcome and included in their public school school. Unfortunately, in Elizabethtown, our board has passed policies driven by political or religious agendas, such as those influenced by the Independence Law Center, that create environments in which students, families, and staff feel unsafe and unwelcome. Rather than seek solutions to actual problems facing our students, such as vaping, bullying, mental health concerns, and deteriorating buildings, our board has focused on enacting ideological agendas that have only created problems for everyone. School do a disservice to all stakeholders by focusing on culture war issues instead of seeking ways to improve the quality of education for all.
No one wants to pay more in taxes, but unfortunately, this is the system we have in Pennsylvania. The greatest burden falls on the local taxpayer. Thanks to the recent lawsuit, we know the system is unconstitutional, and steps are being taken to make public school funding more fair. Elizabethtown has seen increases in what has typically been allocated to us from Harrisburg over the past two years. However, it's not enough. Our school boards have a responsibility to adequately fund our schools for today and for the future. This may mean increases from year to year. Great care should be taken that these are fiscally responsible. They should also be advocating on behalf of taxpayers with legislators for fair funding of public schools.
Age
68
Current Job
retired.............part time transportation driver for school district and a retirement home. Also sports announcer
Township or Borough of Residence
Elizabethtown
Qualifications
Business Person. management, supervision, extensive background in all HR functions, including some legal and real estate and finance.
One of our slate's main themes is a bipartisan, unity approach. Though we each have disagreements at times, my/our approach should always be to work together to find the solutions
I don't completely understand this question to be able to answer.
I think all students needs need to be fairly considered and addressed. Furthermore inclusivity and all children given equal opportunities as possible and at least reasonable, is a minimum standard not just for a school director but as a human being in a community.
Finances and taxation are certainly a challenge. As a business person, I understand the value of revenue sourcing and spending money for higher gains. However available money is not infinite, therefore decisions need to be made. I believe my expertise may help greatly in this area.
Age
44
Current Job
Social worker (LCSW)
Township or Borough of Residence
West Donegal Twp
Qualifications
I am a proud parent of four awesome kids. Three are current Etown students, and one has already graduated. I have a sincere investment in the success of our district and community. Professionally, I have worked as a social worker in a number of settings, with more than 20 years experience. My professional background has equipped me with the skills to understand and address the complex challenges students face both inside and outside the classroom—from mental health struggles and family instability to issues of equity and access. I’ll work closely with families, teachers, and community organizations to advocate for children and ensure they receive the support they need to thrive.
Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/share/12GdevrB3cD/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
As a social worker, my experiences have always involved collaboration and meaningful discussions to find the best possible outcome. I welcome the consideration of diverse perspectives, and believe this is how we find common ground for the good of our community.
I believe strong communities foster strong schools, and vice versa. All of these groups play a vital role. We can not be successful without considering the strengths and concerns of all of them.
Our district previously removed vital mental health screenings. These screenings helped alert parents to concerns, as well as information about how to access supports.
The current board has instead opted to implement harmful policies to already at risk youth.
Student well being is a key component in a child’s ability to learn. When a child lacks vital resources and supports, it creates - or in some cases intensifies- barriers to learning.
Our district is currently at a crossroads. The current board continues to borrow from savings to address our costs versus increasing taxes at the rate recommended by the professionals. This is not sustainable for individuals, let alone on a broader scale. We need to invest tax dollars wisely and avoid harmful cuts that will impact class sizes and resources for our students and educators. The current all or nothing approach will be detrimental to students having access to supports and create more barriers to learning.
