2017 election: PLEASANT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Residents in Chestnuthill, Eldred, Polk and Ross Townships will be voting for school directors,
Four candidates are on the ballot for four four-year terms.
On the ballot are Len Peeters, Donna Yozwiak, Laura Jecker and Daniel Wunder.
Four candidates are on the ballot for one two-year term: Linda S. Micklos, Gerald McGuigan, Robert E. Serfass and Ken Cocuzzo.
The League of Women Voters provided the following information from candidates for the contested seat:
Linda S. Micklos
Address: Effort
D.O.B.: 10/25/1952
Education: Northampton College, A.A.S., dental hygiene
Occupation: registered dental hygienist
Qualifications: Lehigh Valley Dental Hygienist Association member, 23 years; American Dental Hygiene Academy member, 20 years; Pleasant Valley school director, 12 years; Joint Operating Committee member of Monroe Career and Technical Institute, eight years; Polk Township Ladies Auxiliary member.
Do you have a specific suggestion for improving the administration of the office for which you are a candidate: A school director is charged with making difficult decisions that impact all levels of our community. The education of our students is foremost but being mindful of the community that supports these students is also important. Homeowners are our primary tax base. Maintaining a 0 percent increase in property taxes while continuing to support our students with the necessary tools that take them into the 21st century is a priority.
Gerald McGuigan
Address: Effort
D.O.B.: 10/01/1947
Education: 1965, graduated high school; 1981, community college, associate degree
Occupation: Retired union carpenter
Qualifications: current board member, homeowners association. Served as volunteer on Pleasant Valley curriculum committee when my daughters were in high school.
Answer: I feel that any elected school board member has a fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers who elected them. To provide the best available education within the financial budget.
Robert E. Serfass
Address: Kunkletown
Education: 1976, Pleasant Valley High School graduate.
Occupation: General Contractor, Serfass Custom Homes
Qualifications: Pleasant Valley school board, four years; Monroe County Land Preservation, 19 years; Polk Township Board of Appeals; Polk Township Agricultural Security; Occupational Advisory Committee at MCTI; Joint Operating Board at Monroe Career and Technical Institute.
Answer: In the four years I served on the Pleasant Valley school board we have eliminated some administrative positions and made several new hires. Our present board and new superintendent have worked together so there is better communication throughout the District. Talking with staff we are hearing positive comments at the start of the 2017 school year.
Ken Cocuzzo
Address: Saylorsburg
Campaign website: http://www.facebook.com/ourvalley2017
D.O.B.: 1955
Education: 1978, Kean University, Bachelor of Arts in English
Occupation: Purchasing Rep., Monroe County Purchasing Department
Qualifications: Pleasant Valley school board director, appointed in July; father of three Pleasant Valley High School graduates; print journalist for 30-plus years; writing mentor
Answer: I see the need for developing better public relations with the Pleasant Valley community by updating and improving the school district’s website to be more interactive, especially since working parents are always on the go but they want to stay connected by various electronic devices. For example, if there’s a featured school program but the parents can’t be there, they could see a video of it at the upgraded district website.
