Running for a position on the School Board as a Democratic Candidate of the “1st S.T.E.P. for North Penn School District” campaign, Carolyn Murphy “decided to become a candidate not for political reasons, but in order to give back all this community has given to me.” The following are her responses to six interview questions regarding her candidacy.
Q: Why do you believe it is important to serve on the School Board?
A: “I have always believed that public education is the heart and soul of a community. If one finds a place with strong schools, the environment of the area is positive. Today we need people to stand up and speak out for the children of the 21st Century. More than ever students need to be better prepared to compete in the global economy and also in the competitive US job market. The school board makes decisions that affect this endeavor. Now that I am retired, I have the time to study, to problem solve, and to bring a fresh face to the table. What is more important than keeping our children safe and blooming? My experiences as a North Penn parent, Home and School advocate, exchange-student advisor, educator, and concerned citizen will make me
an excellent board candidate. I feel it is important to give back to a community that has given me so much.”
Q: What are your goals for the upcoming term?
A: “My goals have been formulated after studying the issues here since last March. Education cannot flourish in a feeling of mistrust and antagonism. My major goal is to set a path where the teacher’s union, the board and the administration start working together again. My second goal is to see better planning with the budget. This year’s board waited too long to make serious considerations and to field the possible consequences. In the building of the budget, children and children’s safety should be the first consideration. Nothing should be cut that takes anything out of a student’s important school day. Goal 3: We need to work on creative funding. If quality education is a board priority, we’ll find a way to preserve it. Finally, more community input should foster board decisions. A school board must positively protect its educational system.”
Q: How do you plan to get these goals accomplished?
A: “I plan to reach these goals with perseverance. First, what is important in the district? We need to work on finding additional funding and reassessing what we are spending. The most important things are the programs in place for the students’ daily existence: Bus, cafeteria, and playground safety, reasonable class sizes, teacher support with in-service and positive reinforcement, respect for all students, staff, administration, the board, and the community. I would add more community forums that include the board, parents, teachers, administrators and interested local citizens. Progress with our problems can be made an inch a day. Passion and excitement have to be put in the everyday workings of the board. With TIME and COMMITMENT, these goals can be met.”
Q: What experience qualifies you to hold this position?
A: “Nothing qualifies me more than being a North Penn parent for 12 years. During that time I served on committees, Home and School Boards and worked to keep this district strong. I encouraged our son to give back and to enjoy the fine education he was receiving. The parent experience is vital in understanding what kids need. In both high school and college, I was elected to class council every year. During my teaching years, I worked in a high school and middle school. I’ve served as president of the local American Association of University Women as well as the Montgomery County Teacher’s of Foreign Language. I love serving on committees and making the impossible either work or improve. Working with the Exchange Program and with the State Department has given me an insight into the importance of following rules and procedures with federal guidelines. Finally, having been involved with education in Illinois, Colorado, Tennessee, and here in Pennsylvania, I have a multifaceted view as to what is possible.”
Q: How would you encourage local citizens to vote in this election?
A: “I reiterate to the people I see that local elections are just as important as national ones. Only 15% of Area 5 voters came to the polls last May. By encouraging voter registration and absentee ballots, hopefully even more people will vote. County Commissioners, local supervisors, and of course, school boards deal with our daily lives. One should care enough to vote, especially in this off-year election. Also I stress that one vote can make a difference in this race.”
Q: Is there any final statement regarding your candidacy you would like to make?
A: “I have the positive energy and expertise to move the North Penn School District forward for students, taxpayers, and the community.”
The next candidate profile will be Josephine Charnock.