Norman A. Burger

Background: Polk Township High School graduate. Have a BS in Mathematics, East Stroudsburg State College and MS 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 three 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: What is the best way to move forward from the controversy of the grand jury report? What can be learned from the issue?

A: Although steps have been taken to correct problems and issues, dissatisfaction and distrust remain. Trust can be destroyed by a single event; regaining it takes time and much due diligence. Like a brick house, it has to be built one brick at a time. I will work with all interested parties to: realign our policies, processes and implement appropriate changes required for buy-in by teachers, staff, administration and community.

Q: How would you balance the need for fiscal responsibility to taxpayers, while ensuring a quality education for students?

A: School board directors have a dual responsibility: first, we must educate our youth with 21st century skills; second, we have to arrive at sound solutions that are also taxpayer affordable. We are challenged by a district that has a lower commercial tax base and currently aided by the ‘hold harmless’ funding provision of state law that will erode over time. Our best hope for property tax relief lies in changing state law.

Robert Butler

Background: Robert Butler has a B.S. in computer science and M.S. in MIS. Robert is an entrepreneur and business owner as well as a hazmat responder UPS. He serves as Polk Township Parks and Recreation Board Director, Monroe County Republican Committee Events Coordinator, Polk Township Republican Committeeman, West End Republican Club Vice President and a member of the PVE PTO. His broad ranging experience and knowledge will ensure every decision that he makes is best for the district.

Q: What are your top three priorities if elected?

A: 1. Ensure students are given the proper tools and education to keep up with changing times to be ready to either join the workforce or to continue their education by the time they graduate.

2. Making sure teachers and staff are treated and compensated fairly and given opportunities for continuous education and growth.

3. Minimize the financial burden of taxpayers with initiatives such as reviewing suggested vendors for extended contracts such as fuel, IT support, etc.

Q: What is the best way to move forward from the controversy of the grand jury report? What can be learned from the issue?

A: Even though there were issues in the past, they have been resolved through legal matters and everyone needs to be open minded and work together to ensure that situations like this do not arise again. This case teaches us that situations like this can occur anywhere including close to home and that speaking your mind when you feel things are happening that shouldn’t be will lead to a just outcome.

Q: How would you balance the need for fiscal responsibility to taxpayers, while ensuring a quality education for students?

A: As a person who moved from New Jersey 12 years ago and not owing anything to anyone in the district, I will use my extensive experience as an employee, as a business owner, as a union member, as a taxpayer and as a parent of Pleasant Valley children to make unbiased fiscally conservative decisions that will yield the best results for teachers, the taxpayers and most importantly the children of the Pleasant Valley district.

Ed Coyle

Background: I am a resident of Saylorsburg since 2005. My wife, Michelle, and I have three children. I recently retired after a 35-year career in criminal justice with state of New Jersey and in Washington, D.C. I have experience in public sector budgeting, strategic planning, and program and policy development/evaluation. I graduated from Seton Hall University in 1982 and I hold graduate degrees from Rutgers University one being a Masters in Public Administration.

Q: What are your top three priorities if elected?

A: Hold spending in check by until we get the needed relief from Harrisburg to adequately fund our schools. Create and foster a school environment free from intimidation, bullying, nepotism and cronyism. Support initiatives that enhance STEM, AP and honors courses as well those that strengthen the core curriculum and MCTI technical education programs so that students are well prepared for their future whether that be in college, the workforce or military service.

Q: How do move forward from the grand jury report and what can be learned?

A: The Monroe County grand jury report detailed alleged criminal activities and other questionable behaviors by school administrators and supervisors over the course of past years. What the report has shown us is that we need to be vigilant as board members and maintain open lines of communication free from intimidation and retaliation. Moving forward, we need to ask questions, encourage dialogue among all the stakeholders in the district, and hold ourselves, administrators and teachers accountable.

Q: How would you balance the need for fiscal responsibility to the taxpayer with providing a quality education to the students?

A: Everyone will agree that a quality education is a sound investment in our future but we need not “break the bank” to provide all children with the foundation for a productive life in our community. We need to allocate our limited resources wisely using empirical evidence rather than throwing money at “what’s hot” and other fad programs and curricula. I will carefully review discretionary spending and suggest cuts and the reallocation of funds when needed.

Teresa Greggo

Background: During my 34 years at Pleasant Valley, I was an elementary teacher, instructional support team leader, peer coaching leader, elementary social studies department chair, new teacher mentor, and a member of the community Comprehensive Strategic Planning Committee. As the educational consultant for the PV district, I served one year as a liaison between regular education and special education programming. Additionally, I coached 10 years of junior high girls basketball and am a lifelong resident of Monroe County.

Q: What are your top three priorities if elected?

A: First, use positive energy and enthusiasm to help build a sense of collaboration and trust throughout all nine school board members so we can be productive, acting effectively and efficiently.

Second, use collective and comprehensive research for all decisions, including viewpoints from all parties involved.

Third, monitor accountability for the following: Best teaching practices, administrative roles, student performance, programs and fiscal responsibility between school district and taxpayers.

Q: What is the best way to move forward from the controversy of the grand jury report? What can be learned from the issue?

A: Follow through with accountability and suggestions given by the unbiased group of people that made up the grand jury.

The lesson learned is the need for checks and balances within the school system between the school board, administration and the staff to assure that voices are being heard when issues are brought forth and then acted upon. Professional rights must be addressed within school code, school policies, state and federal laws and collective bargaining contracts.

Q: How would you balance the need for fiscal responsibility to taxpayers, while ensuring a quality education for students?

A: Use comprehensive research to determine the advantages and disadvantages of all programs. Create opportunities that focus on the whole child’s needs: socially, emotionally, physically and academically while fostering a safe and appropriate environment. Continue to evaluate programs considering and comparing the outcomes to the financial cost.

Sue Kresge

Background: I am a graduate of Stroudsburg High School. Co-owner Mount Effort Service Station and Associate Manager for the Pennsylvania State United States Bowling Association. I served on the Pleasant Valley School Board for 21 years. Complete understanding of all aspects of our district. Attend Pennsylvania School Board seminars and convention. Care about the students, staff and residents of our community.

Q: What are your top three priorities if elected?

A: Provide all students and staff have a clean, safe and secure environment to learn and work in. Complete the work to develop a 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: What is the best way to move forward from the controversy of the grand jury report? What can be learned?

A: Realizing the importance of the grand jury recommendations, we as a board addressed the six recommendations from the grand jury report at a public meeting. Providing the community with details of the completion of one of the recommendations and steps that have been implemented on the others. The importance of asking the right questions; having quality policies and procedures in place to ensure PV is a great place to work.

Q: How would you balance the need for fiscal responsibility?

A: By having a clear vision for the district. One that will focus on student achievement for all students and a sound fiscal plan that will support it. Monitor our enrollment, negotiate responsible contracts and continue to find ways to decrease expenses. To the community, I pledge my commitment to reading, researching and asking questions to ensure the right decisions are made to keep costs under control.

Todd Kresge

Background: Lives in Effort, retired from the Pleasant Valley School District. Knows a lot of the ins and outs of the buildings.

Q: What do you see as the biggest issue facing your school district and how would you recommend addressing it?

A: We are here to make sure the students get the best education possible. Also make sure that unnecessary spending is looked into. Individuals have to be held accountable for their actions.

Information from the League of Women Voters of Monroe County.

Deb Mayer

Background: Originally from Staten Island, New York; on a whim, took a ride here to Effort in 2004, fell in love with the community and knew this is where we wanted to raise our three children. While on Staten Island, became an EMT and then continued my education to become a CNA. When my children were born, my main priority was a stay-at-home mom. In 2008, I began working for the district, resigning in 2015.

Q: What are your top three priorities if elected?

A: Top three priorities:

1. Student safety, mentally and physically; would like to see more of an open-door policy for students.

2. Accountability; no staff member should verbally reprimand a student or parent of this community without consequence.

3. Bring PV up to the 21st century as far as curriculum and be certain we are doing all we can to prepare our children for a future where they can utilize their full potential.

Q: What is the best way to move forward from the controversy of the grand jury report? What can be learned from the issue?

A: We need to move forward from the latest controversy by removing those that were here during that time and learn from their mistakes.

Q: How would you balance the need for fiscal responsibility?

A: We should’ve learned that we need to listen and question what we are being told. Too many feel their words go disregarded, we need to be there for our staff without them feeling there will be repercussions.

Robert Serfass

Background/bio: I am a graduate of Pleasant Valley. I’ve been a dedicated Pleasant Valley school director for six years while also serving on county and township boards for 20 plus years. I have owned several companies in commercial and residential construction. Large-scale projects I have been involved in are: Lehigh Goodman Campus, Del Val University, Northampton High School and Nitschman Middle School.

Q: What are your top three priorities if elected?

A: Keeping our students and staff in a safe area that is moving forward by securing our entrance and updating it at the high school. Starting with Project Lead the Way, it will be implementing computer science and engineering in 2019 and biomedical science in 2020. Put in place what is needed to educate our students at a cost the community can afford. I will bring forth my construction knowledge and experience necessary to fulfill my role.

Q: What is the best way to move forward from the controversy of the grand jury report? What can be learned from the issue?

A: Hiring our new superintendent, Mr. Dave Piperato, has been advantageous in getting Pleasant Valley back on track. He is transparent, fair and has an open-door policy. The allegations in the report took place before my being on the board, I’m working diligently to correct what occurred in the past. I’m confident with the leadership and team in place that we can lead our school to success.

Q: How would you balance the need for fiscal responsibility to taxpayers, while ensuring a quality education for students?

A: My first obligation as a board member is to ensure our students receive a quality education along with preparing them for their post-high school future. It’s my role to ensure our employees have a fair contract that keeps their best interest intact. Along with that, my obligation as an elected director is to be responsible for the spending and to best represent the voters who entrusted me to make decisions on their behalf.

James (Jim) Spinola

Background/bio: As a former Pleasant Valley school board member, involved parent, New Jersey substitute teacher, sports coach, musician, school architect and taxpayer, I have the unique experience of seeing educational issues from a multifaceted perspective. While on the board, I was the ONLY board member to vote against ALL the tax increases proposed in the district. Tax and spend must stop and I have a proven track record of voting against tax increases.

Q: What are your top three priorities if elected?

A: Cut spending: School property taxes are the biggest burden on our residents. Until Harrisburg ELIMINATES school property taxes or changes the funding formula, school boards need to cut spending.

School safety: Society is changing and we need to be proactive to potential threats. Our children deserve to learn in an environment where they know they are safe.

Transparency: Stop the blanket votes at meetings and discuss each expenditure item. Identify who knows whom when hiring.

Q: What is the best way to move forward from the controversy of the grand jury report? What can be learned from the issue?

A: The grand jury report exposed the “cronyism, bullying, intimidation and retaliation exercised by prior administrators.” Read it at www.pvbears.net. This must stop. As school board directors, we are responsible for setting policy and administration with executing that policy. I do my own research, beyond recommendations made by administration. I question everything and will continue to do so. The problem is perpetuated when you have “rubber stamp” board members who do what administration tells them to do.

Q: How would you balance the need for fiscal responsibility to taxpayers, while ensuring a quality education for students?

A: The budgeting process starts with contract negotiations. Salaries and benefits cover 80% of expenditures. When I was previously on the board, we had a $90 million budget with almost 7,000 students. Now the current administration is proposing a $103 million budget with only 4,200 students but student achievement hasn’t gone up proportionately. Graduation rates are 93%; we can always do better, but we need to bring costs in line with what the taxpayer can bear.

Delbert Zacharias

Background/bio: I’m a local to the area I was born and raised in the area. I was a deputy with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for 20 years. I’m a truck driver and heavy equipment operator by trade. I have served on the board for the last four years. Which I would like to keep serving if I’m given the opportunity to be re-elected.

Q: What are your top three priorities if elected?

A: 1. Follow the recommendations from the grand jury and make sure district policies are being followed.

2. Providing a quality education is essential in any district.

To remain fiscally responsible, it helps by selecting educational programs that fall under special grants or have special incentives. It is best to fully research programs and not go with one because another district has it.

3. Make sure our buildings and equipment are on a maintenance schedule to ensure longevity.

Q: What is the best way to move forward from the controversy of the grand jury report? What can be learned from the issue?

A: Stop retribution and bullying of staff.

Q: How would you balance the need for fiscal responsibility to taxpayers, while ensuring a quality education for students?

A: Keep requested renovation costs as low as possible and only renovate what is necessary, and keep the public informed of what is happening.