Six candidates are running to fill five positions on Pleasant Valley School Board. They are:

Norman A. Burger

Town: Gilbert

Background: Polk Township High School graduate; bachelor science in mathematics, East Stroudsburg State College and master of science in computer science with business management minor, Texas A&M University; served 22 years in the military and worked in aerospace industry 20 years; developed and managed tens of millions budgets annually; was a military, aerospace and university instructor; co-owner of construction company for over 30 years.

Q: What are your top priorities if elected?

A: First priority is to provide our students a safe environment with a range of quality education opportunities suitable to their talents; second priority is to continue the task of restoring our teachers trust and confidence in the board and administrators; third priority is to work with the board to develop renovation/ improvement plans for our over 50-year-old physical plant so that it is safe, meets current and projected student population and is cost efficient.

Q: With the transparency issues, the board bickering and other identified issues, what will it take for the district to move forward in the best interests of the students and taxpayers?

A: Some friction remains between board members and between board members and the administration. However, the board was able to move forward on essential operational issues. Challenges ahead include superintendent replacement, high school renovation, district’s declining school funding hold harmless clause financial advantage and residual staff mistrust. I will work with all interested parties to: realign our policies and implement appropriate changes required for buy-in by teachers, staff, administration and community; and be financially responsible.

Teresa Greggo

Town: Effort

Background: A retired elementary teacher and lifelong resident of Monroe County; 34 years of educational experience to help focus and advocate for the best interest of all students at Pleasant Valley; educational consultant, acting as a liaison between regular and special education programming for one school year; 10 years, girls’ basketball coaching; numerous years as a Community Comprehensive Planning Committee member; positive energy and outlook to support teamwork within the district.

Q: What are your top priorities if elected?

A: Complete a comprehensive search for the new superintendent of the Pleasant Valley Schools, involving students, teachers, administrators, board members and additional community member; encourage district wide teamwork, while displaying respect when considering all viewpoints; make fiscal responsible decisions to best serve our district and community.

Q: With the transparency issues, the board bickering and other identified issues, what will it take for the district to move forward in the best interests of the students and taxpayers?

A: Bring people together for the best interest of all our students; encourage community involvement to be aware and watchful of decisions being made; continue to focus on the whole child’s needs: socially, emotionally, physically and academically; work as a team and practice a positive outlook, by listening, encouraging and considering all viewpoints when developing the best opportunities for our students. Let us all do our part as citizens to help prepare tomorrow’s leaders, today.

Susan Kresge

Town: Saylorsburg

Background: Graduate of Stroudsburg High School; co-owner, Mount Effort Service Station and association manager for the Pennsylvania State United States Bowling Association; school board, 21 years. Complete understanding of all aspects of our district; attend PA School Board seminars and convention; care about the students, staff and residents of our community.

Q: What are your top priorities?

A: Hire the new Superintendent, by investing the necessary time to find the best leader for our district; continue to build upon our Profile of a PV Graduate, which will transform educational opportunities for all children; monitor our current finances and continue to update our long range plans; so that any necessary funding for these projects will not affect our community with a major impact.

Q: With the transparency issues, the board bickering and other identified issues, what will it take for the district to move forward in the best interests of the students and taxpayers?

A: There must be 100% commitment from all nine board members to the understanding of their roles and responsibilities. There must be open, honest and respectful communication. Ground rules should be established as to how the board will function. Most importantly, consider what impact decisions will have on the students of our district. Setting goals for the board to focus on their productivity and evaluating them to see if improvement is needed.

Todd Kresge

Town: Kunkletown

Background: I am a lifelong resident of Monroe County. Pleasant Valley graduate and veteran of USMC. I am a retired maintenance employee of the Pleasant Valley School District of 23 years.

Q: What are your top priorities if elected?

A: Quality education for students; control wasteful spending of the taxpayers moneys (wish list, wants and needs); accountability (administrators, professional and support staff)

Q: With the transparency issues, the board bickering and other identified issues, what will it take for the district to move forward in the best interests of the students and taxpayers?

A: We are here to work as a team and what is best for the students, their needs and education. Keep the community aware of what is going on with the district and the funding. We may not always agree/disagree at the same time but in the end we will always make the best decisions for the district.

Deb Mayer

Town: Effort

Background: Originally from Staten Island, where I worked as an EMT and then as a CNA; fell in love with the community 16 years ago and moved here to raise my family. Former PVSD employee; and have been caring for those inflicted with Alzheimer’s for over 20 years. Currently an instructor’s aide at Developmental Education Services, providing care and therapeutic services to adults with mental disabilities.

Q: What are your top priorities if elected? The students are, and always will be, my top priority. Do we give our students the proper means and education to succeed in life after graduation? If not, what exactly can we do to ensure this? To put an end to nepotism of any kind, family or friend. To open communication between board, students, faculty and community.

Q: With the transparency issues, the board bickering and other identified issues, what will it take for the district to move forward in the best interests of the students and taxpayers?

A: First and foremost, open communication; taxpayers and students need to feel as if they’re heard, and feel comfortable coming to board members to discuss issues. The board needs to show a united front, and be united. Our district can only be as good as those that lead. It’s OK to have different opinions, knowing how to compromise and work together is what the taxpayers deserve. Positive Change.

Delbert Zacharias

Town: Kresgeville

Background: Served four years on the Pleasant Valley School board; brings knowledge and experience in construction, heavy equipment operating, and large-scale building maintenance. During his four years Zacharias voted to increase substitute pay for support staff which had not been done in eight years; been vocal against any reported retaliation and bullying of staff; served on the property and grievance committees. He believes in working for the taxpayers.

Q. What are your top priorities if elected?

A: Will work to keep taxes down but with the district buildings in such poor shape, future spending seems to be on the rise; wants to make infrastructure improvements and to insure that the recommendations, noted in the grand jury Report, are implemented, so that the district can run smoothly.

Q: With the transparency issues, the board bickering and other identified issues, what will it take for the district to move forward in the best interests of the students and taxpayers?

A: The best thing to do is to wait until after the election. Then the 5-4 vote will change and things will get done for the good of the community.