Why I am running for School Board and what I can contribute

By Mark L. Moses

I offer a unique skill set and a perspective not currently represented on the Board. My direct and recent experience in creating solutions to revenue takeaways by the State, coupled with my advocacy of strong customer service for all agencies that deliver services to the public address two key areas of need that will serve all who rely on and interact with the District.

I believe we need to streamline our curriculum and course offerings so the basics (literature, math, science, history) are preserved. This strategy serves two purposes. (1) It underscores a commitment to the fundamental purpose of education - to educate our children, to teach them to think, to give them the core academic skills they need to be successful. (2) It provides a sustainable range of course offerings that will keep us from struggling each year with which non-core programs to cut.

With the very real potential that the State will swoop down and take our revenues, it is extremely difficult to maintain a long-term focus. We are currently in a mode of trying to survive year-to-year. To manage effectively, we cannot give up on the discipline of a long-term financial plan with corresponding long-term financial goals.

New taxes should be the last place we look to solve budget problems. To have credibility in any public request for new funding, we should not throw money at problems or seek to grow our way out of problems. We need to take a fresh look at where our resources are going and commit to a vision of focusing on the basics of educating our children so they are prepared for the future.

I would also like to see a commitment to administrative reform. We have some great schools in our district and all would be better served by an administration with a renewed commitment to customer service and responsiveness. I would like to see our administration adopt a model customer service policy. I would like to see them focus on allocating educational resources effectively - whether by taking advantage of opportunities to reduce class size or ensuring the delivery of the appropriate specialized attention that a student needs.

My platform is simple and focused because the vision of the P.U.S.D. board should be simple and focused.