Vote for candidates who put students first
Dear Editor,
It has been one year since three new board members took their seats on the Lehighton Area School Board. One must ask what they have done to enhance student achievement in the district as well as the well-being of our community. If you look at their voting records, one must question if these three board members have genuine interest in our students. Mr. Bradley voted no on hiring much-needed substitutes, and Ms. Beers voted no on a well-researched science curriculum. The Christman fields were debated for several months before finally being approved for transfer of the fields to Franklin Township where all children will benefit.
Mr. Bradley continues to file lawsuits against individuals on the board as well as administration, costing taxpayers over $40,000. He and his co-candidates ran on the platform for the school board to save tax dollars, but obviously this was not ultimately his game plan. Unfortunately, the three new members (Gail Maholick, Joy Beers and David Bradley) ran on campaigns to entice the community into thinking they would help eliminate school property tax tied to the referendum vote on the Homestead Act.
This is the job of state legislators, not the local school boards. … Another tactic of his to fool the voters. Furthermore, Mr. Bradley has harassed district employees and threatened their jobs without any regard for their well-being. Bradley, Beers and Maholick continually check their cellphones during board meetings. The lack of interest by them is displayed during certain presentations, exiting meetings to get a drink, and laughing and disrespect have become the norm at meetings.
On the other hand, those members who truly care about students continue to fight for tax stability, improving student achievement and working with staff and community. For the fifth row in a year, there will be no tax increase for school taxes in the district. We are very aware that many people did not want the new elementary center, athletic stadium and renovations for the middle school and high school. Everyone has a right to their own opinion on this subject, but the facts do not lie. The renovations at the middle school and high school have saved us, the taxpayers, 50 percent (middle school) in electricity and 25 percent at the high school.
Presently, the center is seeing a $1.5 million consolidated savings, which has enabled the district to stabilize and have no tax increases. The middle school auditorium is rented out every Sunday, bringing in more than $40,000 per year to offset taxes. The athletic stadium and elementary center gym hosts district playoffs as well as other events, netting profit to our booster groups and boosting the economy in our community by patrons visiting restaurants and shopping. In addition to these benefits, we can enjoy district and community pride in our beautiful facilities.
So, we ask you, what type of district and board members do YOU want representing Lehighton Area School District: “one where we are the subject of negative talk outside of Lehighton? Where harassment, continued accusations and lawsuits rule with negativity and little concern for our students?” Or, one where we “celebrate our students and staff and hold the line on taxes for our community?”
We firmly believe in authentic transparency and public participation conducted in a civil and respectful environment. We also know the new members believe in public participation and push for transparency. However, they have never confirmed what specifics they look for in transparency, nor encourage respectful dialogue. This is evident when Mr. Bradley sneers at anyone wishing to speak and is disrespectful to other board members and administration.
So please be mindful of who you vote for in May and be knowledgeable of those candidates who align with Mr. Bradley, Ms. Beers and Ms. Maholick. They are looking to lower high school standards and cut programs for students, as well as staff. If you don’t believe us, take the time to read the finance minutes from Nov. 12, 2018, where Mr. Bradley asks the business manager, “How can we get rid of more staff?”
Come to board meetings the last Monday of the month. Ask questions on motions you do not understand. Demand Mr. Bradley and his cohorts be accountable for the accusations they make. Protect our great district for our children … for our future.
Let’s not fall into the mistakes made in neighboring districts permitting the loudest voice being the one that is heard and not the most responsible, respectful voice. Let’s not make the same mistake twice. Vote for those people who keep our students at the center of our district while keeping our tax base stable. Support education and student programs … not cutting programs and staff or lowering our educational standards, as well as keeping civility at the heart of board meetings.
Citizens for education,
Mary Louise N. Blakeslee
Thomas R. Wertman
Claire F. Cannon
Todd Weaver
Kenneth E. Breiner
Sharon Wentz
Betty M. Breiner
Dolores J. Solt
Terry Whiteman
Stacey L. Duerst
Gloria J. Bowman
Jay O. Barthel
James H. Wentz
Bruce D. Hawk
Comments
Good evening. Progress, yes there has been plenty.
1) The entire community now has a voice. Victory!
2) The community watches over the board, actively, without fear of police escorts.
Victory!
3) Hosting lawful meeting,with fidelity, remove the need for Solicitor fees, and immunity pleas.
Victory!
(Well, Minus the two Sunshine violations, Stern-Cleaver contract meeting and personnel issues).
4) The entire board, whoever's elected are, and will be, held accountable to their Oath.
Victory!
Soon, community willing, the board will be enpowered to watch over the administration, holding them accountable.
Hopefully, we will get a new Solicitor for Christmas!
5) A strict taskmaster that finds lots of humor in irony and government malfeasance. Without humor, why play at all?
Victory!
But face it, if it wasn't for a team with a backbone, who would take the citizens' voice to the district? The incumbents?
Do the Rubber Stampers help the community or the insiders? Just look at the familial ties. Nepotism, cronyism, and favoritism are not the government we want. Let's end it.
Previously silenced - now fixed or exposed and being fixed:
Flipped classrooms, classroom security, sexting teacher, strip searches, quiet lunches, bussing troubles, vulgar Twitter, LCCC opportunities, door locks, we now have a visitor processing system, fixing Eidem's motion to end Drivers Ed debacle, Chess club, selective enforcement, Free Eye exams, police escorting out those that spoke up against the regime, why some and not all got to take reTests.
Gail won two seats with the most votes ever cast. The people want a real government of the people, by and for the people.
Brash sure, but against a regime, a fighter with rigid principles works for the people. Look at the abuse dished out to a free thinker who honors his oath.
Many mistakes, and many wins. A .350 is still a respected average.
Promised to serve one term and leave. No ego issues here, once we set this district on
the lawful and transparent path, the polite can run the show, with my blessings.
The job was to slay the oppressive dragon, the call was answered, only few oppressor left. The people will decide the fate of the district, not a person, not me, not a team, or evil oppressors, THE PEOPLE are on the top of the district organizational chart. Don't let anyone tell you different.
We are still in America, thank you servicepersons.
Sincerely,
Citizen David F. Bradley Sr.
Good morning. Regrettfully the odds of the state imposing a surcharge, as described, is slim to none. Ignorance, plausible deniability and immunity are apparently legitimate defenses. We checked. The retort was vote wisely.
They only lied to us, they told the truth to the lenders.Check the bond issues. That is apparently why the Bowman left board were leveraged into raising taxes, accepting a crappy bond deal. The bond documents show how they sold us down river, and our grandchildren. An escalator of rare increases.
You are very much correct.
Sincerely,
Citizen David F. Bradley Sr.
Good morning. Ask yourself why did someone threaten Zimmerman and his Dairy, leverage Arner and Dwyer into resignations. How about Resh? For the children?
Just for asking the right questions, and look at the list of retributions:
Sanctioned
Rebuked
Sued
Censured
Blocked
Isolated
Demonized
Reprimanded
SLAPPed
And my favorite, called a "Rabble Rouser"
Gotta love it. All for a volunteer director position. And, all for just saying what needs to be said, honoring an Oath, protecting the students and saving the community.
Sincerely,
Citizen David F. Bradley Sr.
Rubber stampers that abdicated their authority to the very people they were elected to oversee by definition have failed miserably.
See we can agree, compromise, once it is realized that there is no compromise to the Oath fo Office.
Sincerely,
Citizen David F. Bradley, Sr.
My opinion is, we need to change the state constitution, and eliminate education as being part of the State Government Responsibility. Education, and the decisions there in, must remain more local than statewide, and should never have gone to the federal level.
I'm also perplexed by the confusing 1949 PA School Code, which needs to be torn up as well.
These things will never happen though, so good luck in fixing the issues... locally.
Dude, read the code, you are spouting the mantra of the rubber stampers.
This is an elected government to oversee the distribution of educational benefits, it is a government entitlement program. The people provide the funds and there elected official to disburse them as the people see fit. The board is elected by the people and work for the people. Read PA School Code 318, it is the people, ten to be specific that can remove a board member.
Dude, chill with the dogmatic montra of the oppressors. We have enough rubber stampers, try a hobby, reading can be fun. The School code is free and online. It authorizes this government to write, enforce and adjudicate the local school policy. Only the corrupt would use those powers against the very people they were elected to serve.
Sincerely,
Citizen David F. Bradley, Sr.
Dude, read the code, you are spouting the mantra of the rubber stampers.
This is an elected government to oversee the distribution of educational benefits, it is a government entitlement program. The people provide the funds and there elected official to disburse them as the people see fit. The board is elected by the people and work for the people. Read PA School Code 318, it is the people, ten to be specific that can remove a board member.
Dude, chill with the dogmatic montra of the oppressors. We have enough rubber stampers, try a hobby, reading can be fun. The School code is free and online. It authorizes this government to write, enforce and adjudicate the local school policy. Only the corrupt would use those powers against the very people they were elected to serve.
Sincerely,
Citizen David F. Bradley, Sr.
Lawsuits LOST by Citizen Bradley: 4
Cost to taxpayers: Tens of Thousands
Threats and Harassing Employees: Citizen Bradley
NO IMMUNITY - a twist of the facts
No Sunshine Violations and Always lawful meetings (failed Citizen Bradley lawsuit confirms)
Students always received free eye test (Citizen Bradley and Maholick want all students to receive a test designed for 0-6 Year olds that is NOT STATE Approved)
Vulgar Twitter - A twist of the facts A photo that was retweeted had a student with an inappropriate hand gesture in background (tweet removed when discovered)
LCCC opportunites - Existed prior to Citizen Bradley joining the Board
Visitor Processing System - Due to upgrades approved by previous Board security is improved at all schools. And one of the reasons the renovations and new construction were considered.
Gail Maholick won 2 seats and has disappointed many of those that supported her
Personnel Committee is responsible for recommending hiring (not secret meeting just not public)
Citizen Bradley is the only one that has the threatening letter against Zimmerman
We do not accept Citizen Bradley twisting of the facts!
Add another test to the Eye Exam to benefit the students. Not approved but not disapproved either.
Agree on the enhanced security and unfortunately, it is necessary.
Bradley, not the only one who had/has that letter. And Gloria and the rest know it happened. It was stated the Board reached out to him in the Minutes.
You may want to take a look at the actual facts. Much is in the minutes.
Lawsuits Filed by Citizen Bradley against the district he was elected to serve: 4
ACTUALLY, IT WAS ABOUT 10, WON MOST AT THE STATE LEVEL. DISTRICT SPENT MONEY TO APPEAL, THEY LOST MOST.
Lawsuits LOST by Citizen Bradley: 4
ACTUALLY, NONE, THEY WERE WITHDRAWN ONCE THE DISTRICT CHOSE TO SPEND MONEY ON ADDITIONAL ATTORNEYS, RESOLUTIONS, IMMUNITY PLEAS, AND A YEAR OF FIGHTING A $100 FINE WITH TENS OF THOUSANDS IN ATTORNEY FEES BLOCKING YOUR VOICE.
Threats and Harassing Employees: ZERO, these are legal terms, no criminal offenses were reported or issued. Honest, constructive critique may have intruded on some "SAFE SPACES", and for that, I apologize and offered some reading materials that, if taken to heart as would improve our student's rights situation and district transparency.
NO IMMUNITY - a twist of the facts - PLEAS OF IMMUNITY WERE FILED, laughable, but they actually plead immunity, above the law.
No Sunshine Violations and Always lawful meetings. UMM, DID YOU READ THE LAW? AND THE PART ABOUT "PRIOR TO OFFICIAL ACTION", HOW ABOUT THE SOLICITOR AGREEING TO THE PRIOR REQUIREMENT. WATCH YOUTUBE, BOWMAN is 0 for 2 in about one minute, she doesn't even look up for the people to be GIVEN their right to comment prior to official action. Who is teaching civics in this school anyway?
Students always received free eye test (TAXPAYER FUNDED = FREE TO STUDENTS, LIONS = VOLUNTEERS WITH THE MEANS PAY, NOT FORCED COMPLIANCE)
(Citizen Bradley and Maholick want all students to receive a test designed for 0-6 Year olds that is NOT STATE Approved) Superior test, free, fast, non-invasive, parent waiver, suitable for all ages, finds additional ailments, all SOUND GOOD TO ME.
Vulgar Twitter - A twist of the facts A photo that was retweeted had a student with an inappropriate hand gesture in background (tweet removed when discovered) - YUP, BUT THE FACTS REMAIN IT WAS VULGAR, IT WAS ORIGINALLY RETWEETED, AS YOU JUST ADMITTED AND FAVORITISM IN ALL FORMS IS BAD.
LCCC opportunites - Existed prior to Citizen Bradley joining the Board
AND NEEDS TO BE PROMOTED, WHY IS THIS A FIGHT? WE AGREE AND THE DISTRICT FIGHTS US ON THIS ONE? WTH? SILLY RIGHT? LET's OFFER IT TO ALL STUDENTS, NOT JUST NINE. GEEZ, CAN'T SOMEONE THROW ME A BONE HERE? (Dr. Evil reference, haha)
Visitor Processing System - Due to upgrades approved by previous Board security is improved at all schools. And one of the reasons the renovations and new construction were considered.
YOU ARE WELCOME, WE IMPLEMENTED THIS DECISION. THE TASK FORCE VOTED AGAINST A NEW ELEMENTARY CENTER, NEW CONSTRUCTION. SMALL SCHOOLS ARE SAFER, MORE HEALTHY, AND PROVIDED FALL OUT SHELTERS IN EACH COMMUNITY.
Gail Maholick won 2 seats and has disappointed many of those that supported her
GAIL IS LOVED, HONEST, AND WILL LISTEN TO ANYONE THAT ASKS. A TRUE SERVANT, AND NOT A DICTATOR, OR OPPRESSOR.
Personnel Committee is responsible for recommending hiring (not secret meeting just not public)
SEE SHAMOKIN CITY SUNSHINE ACT CASE - ALL COMMITTEES ARE PUBLIC, AND HIRING, OUCH THAT ONE IS GOING OT HURT ANY NEPOTISM, CRONYISM, and FAVORITISM.
Citizen Bradley is the only one that has the threatening letter against Zimmerman
GIVEN TO THE CITIZENS GROUP BY THE MAN HIMSELF, AND THE HANDWRITTEN ENVELOPE.
SICK, THE WAY HIS BUSINESS WAS INTIMIDATED. POWER CORRUPTS.
We do not accept Citizen Bradley twisting of the facts!
WE DO ACCEPT THE SUNSHINE ACT, PA SCHOOL CODE, AND EQUAL APPLICATION OF THE LAW.
FAVORITISM, EVEN FOR RELATIVE OF THE BOARD IS JUST WRONG.
With a screen name of BATB, you missed the idea and financial funding that the FTAA should have purchased the Christman Field so we can keep the fields forever, and keep government out of baseball. The FTAA could have leased their owned fields back to the government in exchange for field maintenance. Giving the people access to the fields on the offseason and non-use days.
Thank you for playing truth or more truth, please look up these answers. Try to prove the ACTIONS you spout. The goal of having a transparent government of, by and for the people is not new, goes back to 1776. And soon, it the people kick these final incumbent evildoers to the curb, the people will have public servants again. Who can argue with that?
Enjoy your day, and vote out the incumbents. We only have a few of the corrupt old guard left, soon we will restore a government of, by and for the people.
Sincerely,
Citizen David F. Bradley, Sr.
First paragraph. "Mr. Bradley voted no on hiring much-needed substitutes" 9 times since February 2018 there was a motion to hire substitutes. 7 of those times the motion passed 9-0. In October 2018 Bradley voted no and one time he had left the room. You are omitting some "facts".
First paragraph. "Christman fields were debated for several months before finally being approved for transfer of the fields to Franklin Township where all children will benefit."
All children benefited for the previous 39 years. Not just since the transfer. You are twisting the "facts."
Second paragraph. "Mr. Bradley continues to file lawsuits against individuals on the board as well as administration" Fact, all lawsuits were withdrawn. No new ones filed. You are twisting the "facts".
Second paragraph. "Unfortunately, the three new members (Gail Maholick, Joy Beers and David Bradley) ran on campaigns to entice the community into thinking they would help eliminate school property tax tied to the referendum vote on the Homestead Act. " They supported the referendum to eliminate school property taxes, I do not ever remember them stating they themselves could do so. You are twisting the "facts".
Third paragraph. "Furthermore, Mr. Bradley has harassed district employees and threatened their jobs without any regard for their well-being."
Where is the proof of this statement? No complaints were filed that can be substantiated. One cannot conclude guilt on hearsay. You are not presenting "facts" only hearsay.
Third paragraph. This was addressed at a meeting by Ms. Beers I believe. She stated she was checking the time. While factual, other board members do the same. Wayne has done so and made announcements as to the texts received. Mr. Schwab has done so as well. Watch the videos.
Third paragraph. "The lack of interest by them is displayed during certain presentations, exiting meetings to get a drink, and laughing and disrespect have become the norm at meetings." I'm not sure about the lack of interest by them during "certain" presentations. I would need to know which presentations and then review the video.
Leaving the room to perhaps use the facilities is not disallowed now, is it? Since I was not out there I cannot comment on what they were doing once they left the room. Were you or are you just "twisting the facts" yet again?
Much of the laughing and disrespect is provided by the teachers and former board members. I am there. I hear and see it. The Assistant to the Superintendent was acting completely childish while Bradley was speaking on his comments on the agenda. Going BaBaBaBaBa almost the entire comment. While Bradley was erroneous in his statements the actions by the Assistant to the Superintendent were completely unprofessional.
Fourth paragraph. "For the fifth row in a year, there will be no tax increase for school taxes in the district. "
Because taxes were raised when there was a surplus to the point of being able to pay 6.5 million dollars cash for the new stadium and leaving such a large fund balance as to be able to use it to balance the budget each year. We spend more each year then we take in. Fact.
Fourth paragraph. " We are very aware that many people did not want the new elementary center, athletic stadium, and renovations for the middle school and high school. You are aware now since you got rejected in the last election. Were you really aware then? I don't think many had issues with renovations, but have no way of knowing for sure.
Fourth paragraph. "Everyone has a right to their own opinion on this subject, but the facts do not lie. The renovations at the middle school and high school have saved us, the taxpayers, 50 percent (middle school) in electricity and 25 percent at the high school."
See my first comment at the top of the page. 50% savings on electric while adding air conditioning to the Middle School? I think not. Twisting the "facts".
Fifth paragraph. "Presently, the center is seeing a $1.5 million consolidated savings, which has enabled the district to stabilize and have no tax increases."
The lack of tax increase is due to the sizable fund balance being used to balance the budget. Consolidation savings may be part of that but we have seen nothing in writing to substantiate your savings claims. Produce the documents.
Sixth paragraph. "So, we ask you, what type of district and board members do YOU want representing Lehighton Area School District:"
I want board members who are honest and inclusive. Ones who understand that the community is the ones who pay the bills and who should have a voice. Ones who understand who put those board members in office. I want board members who are accountable for their actions. Board members who understand and take their responsibilities seriously.
Paragraph 7. "We firmly believe in authentic transparency and public participation conducted in a civil and respectful environment."
Since when? It was not in evidence prior to being voted off.
Paragraph 7. "We also know the new members believe in public participation and push for transparency. However, they have never confirmed what specifics they look for in transparency"
Perhaps you should read the minutes. The answers are in there. Twisting the "facts" once again.
Paragraph 8. "So please be mindful of who you vote for in May and be knowledgeable of those candidates who align with Mr. Bradley, Ms. Beers, and Ms. Maholick. They are looking to lower high school standards and cut programs for students, as well as staff. If you don’t believe us, take the time to read the finance minutes from Nov. 12, 2018, where Mr. Bradley asks the business manager, “How can we get rid of more staff?”
I will read those minutes. Hopefully, there is a video to support the minutes. I will state once again. We have our own mind and our own voice. We make our own decisions influenced only by what we believe is right and the actual facts. We have the ability to listen to ALL sides and make an informed and considered decision to benefit all. Most especially the students.
Paragraph 9. "Let’s not fall into the mistakes made in neighboring districts permitting the loudest voice being the one that is heard and not the most responsible, respectful voice."
The voices from the audience who are yelling and laughing are the teachers, administrators, and former board members. At least one of which has signed this letter. Choose wisely.
Cronies that enjoy the spoils of favoritism, nepotism, and selective enforcement will apparently speak the loudest when the people are seeking accountability, and attempt to silence those that favor fairness and freedom.
Just look at the list of people that signed this letter, I'd classify them as elitist.
If the Lehighton Area School District put the student first, they would not have buried them in debt.
Sincerely,
Citizen David F. Bradley, Sr.