Voted into North Penn School District’s School Board in July of 2010 by the Board’s incumbent members to replace Terry Prykowski, Josephine Charnock wishes to continue to serve the North Penn School District by securing a place on the Board in the upcoming election. The following are Charnock’s responses to six interview questions asked of each incumbent Republican candidate and newcomer Democratic candidate who expressed a willingness to participate.
Q: Why do you believe it is important to serve on the School Board?
A: I believe it is important to volunteer and serve your community. Giving back more than you take should be the rule, not the exception. Community service is an honor and a privilege. I know the value of having a quality education and what it can do for a person’s life.
Q: What are your goals for the upcoming term?
A: I have three priorities: 1) Raising the bar for all students so they reach their true potential, 2) Deliver the tools and resources necessary to allow all students to achieve success in whatever they choose to do, and 3) Spend taxpayers’ money wisely at all times, and especially in these tough economic times.
Q: How do you plan to get these goals accomplished?
A: I will continue to collaborate with the North Penn’s staff to build on the academic progress and gains we have already made. I will research the best practices from schools across the U.S. and bring those best practices to North Penn. I will use North Penn’s long-range strategic plan, mission and vision statements, staff expertise, and common sense to ensure every decision being made is in the best interest of all stakeholders and that we continue to measure our progress against those goals.
Q: What experience qualifies you to hold this position?
A: I hold a B.S. in Psychology from Widener University. I am a parent. I have been part of the North Penn School District since 1996. I am a current member of the North Penn School Board for more than a year. I bring energy, enthusiasm, and tenacity to this position. I believe that using my personal and professional background, experiences, and expertise, I make one of the best choices for the Office of School Director in the North Penn School District.
Q: How would you encourage local citizens to vote in this election?
A: The Republican School Board Team of Schilling, Hill, Miniscalco, Hladik, and Charnock are the only team for North Penn School Board that has a proven record of accomplishment for North Penn students, families, and taxpayers. Politicians make promises all the time but only the five incumbents have a proven record of accomplishments for North Penn. I would encourage voters to get involved, exam the real records of each candidate and vote on November 8th.
Q: Is there any final statement regarding your candidacy you would like to make?
A: The most important point I want to make is that myself along with my fellow School Board members care deeply about the children of this district and the community at large. People criticize the School Board for many reasons, but each one of us works tirelessly sacrificing time with family members to make sure that we do what is right for all stakeholders. Above all, we always put the best interest of the school district first when making decisions.