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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Ephrata School Director {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

Description of office: School Directors are members of a board that sets policy, determines the annual budget and levies taxes accordingly, evaluates the Superintendent, and monitors student achievement. The Board focuses on governance, while the Superintendent is responsible for the daily operation of the district. Boards meet at least monthly in addition to committee meetings and executive sessions.Salary: None

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  • Candidate picture

    Timothy W Stayer
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Michael Schwartz
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Rodney Hostetter
    (Rep)

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    Lara Paparo
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Timothy L Craven
    (Dem, Rep)

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    Matthew Good
    (Dem, Rep)

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    Lisa Martin
    (Dem, Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Barbara Marvin Marty
    (Dem, Rep)

Biographical Information

School board members have collective authority rather than individual. How will you foster a spirit of collaboration with your fellow board members to successfully work together on behalf of the students?

School districts are funded primarily by district taxpayers, used by district families, employ a large amount of teachers and staff, and serve to educate our youngest generations. As a candidate, which of these groups do you prioritize in your role as school director, and why?

Some school districts have experienced heated debate over new policies under consideration. In your district, what student needs do you feel should be addressed, or not addressed, by the school board?

How do you perceive the recent pattern of taxation (annual millage rate increases) on your district in relation to current school district needs?

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Age 52
Current Job Librarian
Township or Borough of Residence Ephrata Borough
Qualifications I was a public school librarian for fourteen years and currently work as an academic librarian at a liberal arts college. Additionally, my daughter attends Ephrata Area School District.
As a public educator, I routinely collaborated with students and faculty in the classroom. Regardless of our personal ideas and beliefs, the objective was to work together to study and learn about the topic or subject at hand. Except for instances where the value of someones humanity or rights are being questioned, I believe that working together for all students will lead to successful outcomes for the district.
First and foremost, I prioritize students. Public schools were created in order to provide every student with the opportunity to have an education. In order to best serve students, it requires teachers and staff who are student focused and skilled in their particular area of study. Parents are instrumental to the success of their student in schools and their support of teachers and the school is paramount. I once was told, that a successful school is like a triangle, the student, parents, and teachers each represented a side of the triangle. They all need to work together in order for the student to find success.
Recent debate over new policies have, I believe, been detrimental to the academic and intellectual freedom rights of students. Public schools exist for students to learn and that means having the opportunity to study and learn about topics that can at times be difficult and challenging. Students should be able to read and study about people whose experience reflects their own, as well as that of individuals whose experience varies greatly from their own. We must be willing to let students learn and grapple with the complexities of history. That is the purpose of education.
The district needs to balance the fiscal needs of the district being aware of rising costs, building infrastructure, and student needs. Thinking not only about today, but the future as well. As a community, we all benefit from public schools. That can be difficult to measure at times. The district must also be aware of the community and the constituents the board serves.
Age 37
Current Job Registered Nurse
Township or Borough of Residence Borough
I would foster a spirit of collaboration with fellow board members by defining clear, shared goals, maintaining open communication, and establishing expectations. Maintaining the shared commitment to the betterment of the students would be forefront in my work with fellow board members.
I believe investing in the teachers and staff development ultimately improves outcomes for the youngest generations being educated within the district. By providing ongoing professional development current with best practices, taxpayers will have their dollars go towards the betterment of the education system within the district. This in turn also provides improved ability for teachers and staff to provide excellent communication and transparency with the families within the district.
Maintaining diverse and relevant coursework that is accessible to all students is essential. From historical movements to wide spread literary works, access to diverse coursework is important to prepare students to be "life-ready." Additionally, providing resources to students of all backgrounds provides all students with tools to thrive and receive an optimal education.
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