Incumbent faces challenge in Region 3

ROYERSFORD >> In the race for Spring-Ford Area School Board, all eyes are on the Region 3 race between incumbent Mark Dehnert and challenger Christina Melton.

Both candidates are looking to claim the Region 3 seat that represents parts of Limerick, as well as Spring City and Royersford boroughs.

Because school board candidates can cross-file in both the Democratic and Republican ballots, Dehnert and Melton earned enough votes in the May primary election from both sides of the aisle to face each other once again on Nov. 3. On the Democratic side, Melton received 224 votes to Dehnert’s 204. While on the Republican side, Dehnert received 421 votes to Melton’s 198.

Dehnert, 57, works as a contract manager and currently serves as president of the school board.

For his part, Dehnert said he was running for reelection because he wants to continue the economic progress the district has made during his eight-year tenure.

“I have a proven record that has led to improved academic performance while limiting tax increases in the face of difficult economic conditions,” he said. “This year’s tax increase of 1.22 percent is the lowest tax increase in 18 years. In addition, we have eliminated the per capita tax.”

If re-elected, Dehnert would focus on creating a science, technology, engineering and math program that would prepare students for “high paying jobs that require math and science skills.” To do this, he said he would work to improve the curriculum in math and science at the kindergarten and elementary level, so as to provide a solid foundation for students to be successful in high school.

“We can achieve these goals and be fiscally responsible by avoiding wasteful spending on programs that do not improve academic performance,” he said.

Part of that fiscal responsibility comes from limiting future taxes to the state index or lower, he said, and advocate for property tax reform that would eliminate school taxes for senior citizens. He further stated his opposition to the construction of a health and wellness fitness center.

“Please re-elect me,” he said, “so that I can continue my efforts to keep SpringFord School District great.”

Melton, 45, works in audit and compliance.

Melton said she was running because the needs of students, parents, teachers and taxpayers were being underserved.

“Our students deserve the highest quality education to prepare them for the next chapter in their lives,” she said. “They must be engaged in the classroom and through extracurricular activities.” Parents, she said, want to feel engaged by interacting with the district throughout the school year though various communication vehicles.

“They need to be able to engage in two-way conversation with the board on policy, programming, facilities and other issues,” she said. “Our parents deserve a board representative who is willing to respond to inquiries, not just wait for someone else to respond.”

Teachers need a reasonable work atmosphere that will foster growth for them and the students they serve, she said.

Lastly, taxpayers need a board that will reduce their burden.

“They want a board that will seek alternative funding sources, including business and corporate partnerships to support programs and defray expenses. They deserve someone who is willing to go to Harrisburg to fight for a fair funding formula and fight against unfunded state mandates,” she said. “They need someone who not only is willing to, but wants to look at the detail of the annual budget, to challenge expenses and to make sure that we eliminate waste, and focus financial resources where they are needed.”