Aiming to continue the advancement of education, Stephen Hladik feels this focus has already been under way since he first landed a position on the School Board. An Incumbent Republican, Hladik hopes to win re-election along with the entire Incumbent Slate. The following are Hladik’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 truly enjoy volunteering and being involved in the community.  I also understand and value the benefits of a good education.  The school board also has a major impact on all aspects of our community, including the students, parents and taxpayers.  Each decision made affects those constituencies, and it is important to consider and balance those groups when evaluating the issues.

Q: What are your goals for the upcoming term?

A: When our slate ran together originally, we set out two major goals:  first, to make North Penn one of the top academic districts in the state, and, second, to be good financial stewards of the taxpayers’ money.  It gives the Board great satisfaction to see all of the outstanding achievements by our students.  Rising test scores and advanced placement course participation evidence that North Penn is truly in the top tier of districts in the Commonwealth.  On the second goal, we have been able to renovate numerous schools in the district, and upgrade technology, while being able to pay down the long term debt of the district, and hold costs to among the lowest in the county.

As we move forward, we cannot be content to rest on our laurels.  We must continue to focus on the advancement of education, and ensuring that each of our students is given the tools they need to succeed.  We need to constantly evaluate and upgrade technology.  We need to ensure that our course selections, and gifted and special education continue to evolve and advance to meet the needs in the rapidly changing world.  Giving students the tools they need to succeed goes hand in hand with being good stewards of the district’s finances.  We must carefully evaluate every line item in the budget to ensure the maximum number of dollars goes to the classroom.  We must keep a watchful eye on the long term debt to keep the District on its current path to pay that debt off in ten years.

Q: How do you plan to get these goals accomplished?

A: To maintain academic excellence – and to continue to raise the bar for performance – we must collaborate with staff and administration to evaluate the delivery of all academic programs and monitoring of student performance.  We must continue to follow a long term strategy and design plans to assist students in achieving their potential.  On the financial side, we must carefully examine each line item of the budget.  We need to focus on items where costs savings can be achieved without sacrificing any part of the academic experience.  New sources of funding must be examined.  Community and student input are important towards finding new ways of saving funds and increasing revenue.

Q: What experience qualifies you to hold this position?

A: In my professional background, I am local attorney.  Prior to entering private practice, I served as a Deputy Attorney General for the Commonwealth.  I also served on the Department of Education’s Private School Licensing Board for three years, which provided valuable experience in evaluating curricula, policies and physical plants.  I have had the pleasure of serving our community for eight years, serving the District on the Finance Committee, theNorthMontcoTechnicalCareerCenterand on the hearings committee.  My professional background and experience on the Board enables me to provide analysis of the issues facing this District in these tough economic times.

Q: How would you encourage local citizens to vote in this election?

A: Our slate of Schilling, Hill, Miniscalco, Charnock and I have a proven record of delivering results for students and taxpayers.  The position of school director is a volunteer position, and requires a great deal of time, as well as experience.  Our team is a dedicated group that is committed to continued advancement of this district.

Q: Is there any final statement regarding your candidacy you would like to make?

A: I have truly enjoyed the opportunity to serve this community and the students.  All of the board members care deeply about the students and want to see them succeed.  Each of our board members spends a great deal of time examining the issues, and balancing the interests of our students, parents and taxpayers.  If provided the opportunity to serve another term by our voters, we will remain committed to providing our students with the tools they need to succeed, and being ever watchful of our taxpayer’s money.