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| 2007 Slippery Rock School Board Elections |
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| Region 1 - Harrisville, Mercer Township, Slippery Rock Township Two open seats Region 1 - Cross filed: Kathleen Strickland David Hutner Denny Thompson Region 1 - Republican: Mark White Michael Staudacher Region 2 - Portersville, Prospect, Franklin Township, Muddy Creek One open seat Region 2- No candidates! Write-in candidate possible Region 3 - Slippery Rock Borough, West Liberty, Worth Township, Brady Township One open seat Region 3 - Cross filed: Mark Mraz Daniel Opalewski |
| Candidate Platform Statements- Region 3 Slippery Rock Borough, West Liberty, Worth Township, Brady Township |
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| Platform of Mark Mraz Candidate for School Director in Region 3 Slippery Area School District- 2007 I believe that participatory democracy is the foundation of the Republic. Therefore, as a school director I have a responsibility the citizens who voted for me. Having been a teacher for 29 years in St. Mary’s, Pennsylvania, I know where the waste is in the schools and there is plenty of it. I will work to keep taxes stable by eliminating waste and needless expenditures. Specific Planks in Platform 1) Before I make a decision I will consider my electoral responsibility to the public. 2) Promote from within, if possible, schools train administrators, coaches, etc at district expense and then hire outside the district. This is a waste of money training people who will never be considered for the position. Within reason, let the people already trained, be the heads of sports teams, departments and schools. 3) Make administrators and teachers accountable for the schools by developing some type of site-based management for day-to-day operations of the buildings. 4) Develop an open door policy so that the people can discuss their needs with the school directors without administrative filter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Platform of Daniel Opalewski Candidate for School Director in Region 3 Slippery Area School District- 2007 I believe my background as a licensed professional engineer would be an asset when it comes to helping define the more complex math and science courses, reviewing text books, CAD programs, laboratory equipment etc. I have more than 30 years of experience in drafting, design, and engineering. As a practicing engineer I work closely with people at meetings to solve problems, reach common goals, balance budgets, review documents and procure equipment. My number one goal is to provide a high quality education for all students. I personally believe that the school board should maintain the traditional summer vacation. No modified calendar, the school board can explore something else. It costs a lot to run an air conditioning system during the summer, also children need a bit of freedom during the summertime. During the summer break contractors are brought in to make repairs to the infrastructure at a lower rate. Numerous articles have been made that about the physics of branching neurons in the brain. To have a robust memory impervious to minor environmental anomalies (or future stroke) it is necessary to renewal the mind from time to time. One of the best ways to do this is to reinforce the memory by a concentrated review at the end of each summer break. The student is usually taught by a new instructor in a slightly different way so the original memory circuits are reinvigorated and entirely new pathways are created, this is what gives the student mental robustness. In our culture it is actually advantageous to take the summer off, work on the farm, do summer jobs, go scouting, enjoy a family camping trip etc. Do not experiment with our children. Keep school taxes low avoid increases in the millage rate; provide a high quality education effectively within budget by careful planning and obtaining grant monies when available. Start after Labor Day, allow the family to have its last outing together. What is the hurry to rush back during the hottest part of the year? Improve SAT scores, our district average is 1487 this needs to be raised at least 200 points to help the students obtain scholarships and be admitted to many universities. Concentrate on Math, Science, History, and English and tech Ed courses to improve the necessary marketable skills that business are looking for, in addition this will help raise average scores on the SAT. Special needs students at both ends should not be forgotten; sometimes the gifted children are ignored because their grades are above average so people believe they don’t require attention. Better management of this area can help to prevent boredom by having worthwhile projects available that would enhance student’s skills. Maintain our athletic programs, the students need the exercise, and group sports are very desirable for improving teamwork, student health, and competitive abilities. Consider what other states do to save transportation and heating fuel costs. Other states have a 170-day school year; they stay slightly longer each day so it is equivalent to our system of 181 days. If fuel prices keep going up drastically this should be considered as a viable alternative to raising tax rates. Note this may require a change in state law. I believe that the school board needs to properly address the residents concerns and do this in a friendly and responsive manner |
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