Choices for the school board

Recently I attended a “Meet the Candidate” event at the Shohola Elementary school. This was a public opportunity to meet the candidates running for the DV School Board and ask questions. I attended this event to gather information from the candidates to help finalize my decision on who I would vote for at the primary elections, which will be held Tuesday, May 19. What I heard leaves me baffled. Jack Fisher explained his opinion on fiscal responsibility and how it relates to the school budget. Additionally, he discussed his desire to purchase land to build new school, which would be paid for by the taxpayers, even in this poor economy. As he closed, Jack’s final words were “And yes I will raise your taxes.” I find it appalling that a candidate who is not fiscally responsible with his own taxes has the audacity to say he will undoubtedly raise mine. Pam Lufty began with statistics detailing how 142 current high school students in the DV district are unable to read. This number is alarming for any district. Sue Schor stated “well, it’s not that they can’t read but” and she was immediately interrupted by Pam firmly reiterating, “they cannot read.” Sue Schor, as if almost giving in, said “okay they can’t read.” Sue, don’t you know for certain? Does this issue alone not concern you enough to have the facts? And, given those facts, why do you think any program designed to enhance the education of our students is “terrible?” Our current school board directors, Diane French and John Wrobleski, have been working diligently for over a year now to revamp the curriculum in an effort to increase the SAT scores and the overall direction of the education for ALL students. The board has been updated on a regular basis with the progress of implementing these programs in our district. All board members, including Sue Schor, signed the document endorsing these changes and authorizing the committee to proceed. Sue Schor stated at this meeting “I think this new program is terrible.” Sue, why didn’t you voice your concerns before you endorsed the program? Why did you wait utill you had a public forum to state you are opposed to changing the curriculum? Hearing the statistics provided by Pam, I have to wonder why any candidate would be opposed to such changes. I am a taxpaying homeowner in this district and I have two children currently enrolled in our schools. I have a mortgage, car payments and general every day expenses to factor into my monthly budget. I personally cannot afford an increase in my school taxes for any reason whatsoever. In these economic hard times my limited budget does not allow for any unnecessary increase in expenses. I am voting for Goldsack, Marassa and Wright because we share the same vision for our students and this ever changing economy. I hope you will do the same. DeAnna Margiore Dingman