By Allyn Barth
I have lived in Lower Makefield for most of my 60 years and I am a product of the Pennsbury School District. I had a great education and have always held Pennsbury in high esteem. I love being part of the greater Pennsbury community because it is rich in capital — human capital.
We have wonderful teachers, excellent administrative leadership, incredible parent volunteers and let’s not forget the great kids in our community. So, I never really worried about Pennsbury. But over the past few years and under this current school board I have become concerned.
I have seen fiscal mismanagement as taxes were raised seven of the past eight years, despite an influx of $8 million in COVID-19 relief funds; proficiency test scores falling; and a colossal breakdown in school board leadership.
This board has the district embroiled in several lawsuits all while it is clearly unable to recognize, respect and solve the concerns of the community it is responsible to serve.
This is why I am endorsing candidates Jennifer Spillane, Tim Watkins and Frank Cabanas in Region 3 and Victoria Czechowski and Pirooz Abir in Region 1 for school board. I have spoken with and gotten to know these candidates.
I am so impressed with the broad range of talent and expertise these five candidates will bring to Pennsbury. They have many years in education at the K-12 and college levels; expertise in technology engineering and military service to our country; more than 20 years in facilities management.
These skills are critical as we embark on ambitious facility upgrades, problem solving on a global scale and successful business leadership. They all share a commitment to Pennsbury students, to parents and to taxpayers alike.
They recognize the need for vigorous academic standards devoid of social justice indoctrination, fiscal responsibility that gives taxpayers a break, and an understanding that the Pennsbury community deserves the best.
This group of candidates will serve our community with honesty and integrity. Collectively, they have a keen sense of how to adjust to our changing times while still holding to steadfast principles.
Talk to them, email them and ask them your questions. I did and I am confident that with these new members on our school board, they can help lead Pennsbury into the future, restore our pride in Pennsbury and ensure the opportunity for success for all of our students.
