Why you should consider running for school board
Did you know the Allentown School District is one of the largest local government bodies, with a budget of $350 million? It is also one of the largest local government employers, with 2,400 employee. It educates 17,000 diverse students, from the most vulnerable to high achieving with ample opportunities.
I do not think anyone could argue with the importance of our community working together to make our school district better and elevate opportunities for all of our students. Yet, I know we as a community can do more.
As a lifelong Allen- town resident, a city homeowner, and an elected member of the Allentown School Board, I wonder why the election for the school board does not garner more attention.
It is my hope that some of you reading this will consider engaging more with our district and making a run for a seat on the Allentown School District Board of Directors. Our children need us now, and the future of our community depends on it.
Allentown has experienced tremendous growth over the last 10 years, with investment throughout the city, specifically downtown. I have seen the growth with my own eyes. I have enjoyed spending time and money visiting our many restaurants, sports arena and cultural events.
Despite COVID-19 and the negative impact it has had on our community and the world, Allentown is still a city on the rise. Far too often, we read only about the negatives of our underfunded district. But there are so many positives happening within the district.
Many students in the Allentown School District are achievers. Many of our students are hardworking young individuals who face numerous life challenges, including homelessness, hunger and poverty.
Many have distractions at home and yet they continue to persevere, finding their pathway to success. Some students are athletes taking home district titles, and others are committed to attend Ivy League schools.
The Allentown School Board can help better serve our students when we have a board that advocates and lifts up our students, recognizes the fiscal responsibility we have to our district family and community. We need directors who bring diverse talents and strengths to the board.
The district has numerous needs, including a workforce that needs additional support as it consistently feels the effects of being an underfunded district. Gov. Wolf ’s proposed budget shows if education funding went completely through the state’s fair funding formula, the Allentown School District would receive more than $100 million extra in state funding a year.
That is $100 million every year that can be used to level the playing field for our students and provide an education that helps them thrive and find their pathway to a successful future.
The pandemic has highlighted many inequities in education and society in general that have gone decades without being sufficiently addressed. Most significantly, that includes the digital divide rooted in the lack of funding for broadband and computer devices for our students.
The district also faces significant challenges due to school buildings dating to the mid-1800s that need significant renovation and proper ventilation systems.
Our district is at a pivotal point. The board will be hiring a new superintendent, returning to full-time in-person learning, and addressing the $415 million the district needs for building repairs and renovations.
As community leaders, you can help advocate for our students to the state.
I encourage you — my Allentown neighbors — to consider running for the Allentown School Board. The process is simple: You need only 10 signatures by March 9 to get on the ballot as a candidate. The term is four years, and the meetings are twice a month, with additional committee meetings throughout the month.
We can all do our part to make Allentown’s future a better place for our students and community. The board needs qualified candidates who are committed to serve the Allentown School District.
I encourage you to step up and make a difference in our community.