Lehighton Area school board candidates

We asked the candidates to respond to a question about what they would do to improve the community through the office they are seeking. They were limited to 175 words. There are seven candidates seeking four open four-year positions in the Nov. 7 election on the Lehighton school board. Their answers are in their own words.

Joy Beers

Joy Beers graduated from Lehighton Area High School and received a master’s degree from Penn State. The corporate world has taught her to understand the value of money and how to be cost effective while achieving lofty goals. Her volunteer efforts with professional committees gives her more than 10 years’ experience working with people of differing ideas to bring desirable outcomes. She is motivated by her belief in education and her affection for her hometown.

Joy has three approaches for improvement.

First, a school cannot succeed without a strong community. “It takes a village to raise a child.” It is important to respect the town with fiscal responsibility and to protect our wise elders.

Secondly, adjusting the culture of our schools can teach children mature behavior, preparing them to be future leaders and business owners. Tim Elmore’s nonprofit group called “Growing Leaders” has helped other schools achieve this.

Finally, innovative ideas can transform our schools. We can develop relationships with colleges bringing interns into the classroom with new ideas, assisting teachers and bolstering the profession.

Gloria Bowman

Lehighton resident for 43 years. Background: teaching, beginning elementary guidance program in 1974, assistant principal, principal and curriculum coordinator/grant writer K-12 in Lehighton. Continues as educational consultant after retirement. Bachelor’s degree: Saint Francis University; master’s degree: University of Arizona; superintendent’s letter: Marywood University.

Presently, President of the school board and Title 1 chair; finance secretary, Family Promise; lector at SS. Peter and Paul; and Region 2 chair, legislative committee, Pennsylvania Association for School Retirees.

It is a privilege to serve as a Lehighton board member.

I will continue to:

• Promote the continuous improvement in the educational environment for all students and staff through supporting enhanced learning opportunities and social programs.

• Encourage the increased use of district facilities as being an integral part of our community, where we can continue our “TRIBE PRIDE” tradition for the betterment of everyone.

• Continue to advocate for fiscal responsibility, strong financial management and transparency.

It would be an honor to serve our community as a board member again. Thank you to everyone who has supported me in the past.

David Bradley

I will open the district’s financial books, never raise taxes with a surplus budget, and never vote to accept a resignation that pre-dates the arrest of a teacher.

As a board member, my actions will be in the best interest of the citizens of Lehighton. There is never a need to run for a second term of any elected office.

Protect the children, save the community, flip the board.

Duane Eidem

Duane R. Eidem, a resident of Lehighton area for over 40 years.

He is a graduate of Lehighton Area School District and Carbon County Vo-Tech, is a United States Navy veteran, and is currently a welder/fitter for KME. He is married and has two daughters.

Duane has more than nine years of school board experience with a voting record of looking out for the taxpayer. As an independent thinker he is able to look at all sides of the picture before casting a vote. He will stand by his principles showing respect for all and will commit the time and energy required to attend to all matters of the district.

Duane is dedicated to serving all children, regardless of their abilities and backgrounds. He thinks it is important for Lehighton to maintain its focus on providing a complete educational experience for our children that is relevant to the ever changing world around us and celebrates the learning accomplishments of each student to become productive citizens.

Striving for excellence in Lehighton Area School District.

Steve Holland

My focus would continue on serving all of the children in the school district, while focusing to create a long-term vision, mapping a course that provides the necessary opportunities for students to reach their full potential. I will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a structure that supports this vision, empowers the staff and provides leadership. As a board member, I will provide the necessary leadership to keep this district fiscally responsible, support innovation and other opportunities for the district.

Gail Maholick

I’ve been a resident of the Lehighton area for my entire life. My husband and I raised two daughters and we have a granddaughter, who attends Franklin Elementary School.

I attended Franklin Elementary School, Lehighton High School and Lehigh Carbon Community College.

I was employed as a newspaper reporter at the Times News for 26 years before retiring 3 years ago.

Many people know me through my work as a volunteer in the community.

My goal as a Lehighton school board member is to bring success to the community.

We all will need to work together, the community, parents and teachers, support staff and administration to create a warm, nurturing atmosphere where our children will feel safe to explore and learn.

Our schools are special places where children are learning to be the citizens of the future.

I pledge to read all documents before voting and to give parents and the community a voice in decisions so that our small-town community life can exceed all expectations.

Larry Stern

Larry Stern has been a resident of the Lehighton community since 1964. Stern is a 1981 graduate of Lehighton and a 1985 graduate of Lycoming College. He currently serves on the Lehighton Board of Education, Lehighton Sewer Authority and previously represented Lehighton as a trustee at the Lehigh Carbon Community College. Larry has also served the community supporting our youth through the Shull David PTO, Lehighton Athletic Booster Club and various parent organizations.

Larry’s focus while on the board is to maintain and expand programs, increase rigor and continue to improve the learning environment for our students, staff and community. He firmly believes, “Our students are the product of our educational system and a goal of the board is to produce the best in the area, and to have those students want to return, and raise families in our community.” He pledges to continue making student-minded decisions to provide an environment where each one can excel to their fullest potential. These goals will be accomplished while serving with respect for all.