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