Six candidates are running for five positions on Palmerton Area School Board. They are:

Sherry Haas

Background: My home has always been in the Palmerton Area School District. Since my adult life has revolved around our local youth, I’ve held many titles: coach, PTO committee chairperson/vice president, parent school volunteer, dance instructor, youth group leader and PASD school board member. I truly believe that our youth of today ARE the leaders of tomorrow! I look forward to continue supporting PASD in helping to build more leaders from our beautiful community!

Q: What are your top three priorities if elected?

A: My top priorities have always been: 1. the education of our students; 2. the safety and well-being of our staff and students; 3. getting the most we can out of our funds without compromising my other two priorities.

Audrey Larvey

Background: I was born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts; I graduated from Girls’ Latin School and the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a degree in history and secondary education. My entire teaching career of over 30 years was spent in Palmerton. I am also Palmerton’s representative on the LCCC Board of Trustees.

Q: What are your top priorities if elected?

A: My top priorities are enhancing district academic programs, especially technology; providing a safe environment for students and making sure there is a well thought out fiscal policy. Enhancing academic programs should allow administrators and staff to research current academic trends and implement changes determined to be worthwhile, best practices. Studies have shown more pre-emptive interventions by counselors have proven effective in curtailing threatening situations. A common-sense fiscal policy would need vision, planning and prioritizing.

Q: With the district hiring a new engineer, what building projects should take priority and why?

A: Hiring a new engineer doesn’t indicate more projects are imminent. The district has spent over $20 million recently. Now, we should pause, review what has been done and see what needs to be completed on the projects undertaken. If I were to prioritize, I’d consider security features for all buildings and a comprehensive renovation for the high school. The high school is over 50 years old and the oldest unrenovated high school in the county.

Brandon Mazepa

Background: I am an alumni of Palmerton Area School District, Class of 2010. After high school I attended Cabrini University, where I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in history. For nearly the last 10 years I spent my time coaching swimming all over the valley. Through my experiences in coaching, I was able to see students wants/needs, but also witness what other districts are doing to support their students, staff and community. In 2010, I also was awarded the high honor of Eagle Scout.

Q: What are your top priorities if elected?

A: If elected my top priorities will be to boost security throughout our district, hire an effective superintendent, and bring our curriculum and course offerings into the 21st century.

Q: With the district hiring a new engineer, what building projects should take priority and why?

A: There is already a plan in place, and at this point I think it’s important to complete the projects already started and review those that were done to see if any adjustments or improvements need to be made before anything new is started.

Brenda McGrath

Background: Graduate of Palmerton High School, former employee of HRD for 20 years and current employee of Blue Ridge Pressure Castings for 20 years. Worker in HR at HRD and currently do purchasing and accounts payable at BRPC.

Q: What are your top priorities if elected?

A: Keep the public informed and involved. Listen to the public’s ideas prior to making decision if it impacts the subject. Research, research, research. Use the internet wisely before hiring prospective employees. Research their backgrounds thoroughly. Consider any and all candidates. Above all, positive safe student environment. Keep the students aware of life tragedies and the impact on themselves and others by bringing in speakers on both sides of the tragedies.

Q: With the district hiring a new engineer, what building projects should take priority and why?

A: Top is safety, any and all methods of creating a safe environment at all schools. Our high school is in need of renovations, ensure all windows replaced and energy efficient. We need to do renovations to make safety compliant with handicap accessibility at S.S. Palmer. I’d have to do research on projects already on the table to determine which will enable safety, efficiency and greatest impact on students and community.

Tammy Recker

Background: I was born and raised in Palmerton. I am currently raising a daughter who is a senior at PASD. I have worked in both the public and private sector in education for almost 20 years. I have served on the PASD Board of Directors for the last eight years. Our community and people in it, are very special to me, and I would like to continue serving them.

Q: What are your top priorities if elected?

A: My priorities have always been relationship driven with fiscal responsibility. Relationships between students, teachers, parents, administration, coaches, advisers and community are key. Where we have strong relationships, we have unlimited opportunity within our finances. Building trust and rapport within our school and community allows us to motivate and inspire lifelong learners while continuing support across all disciplines from school to workplace. This connection allows us to build, grow and support as we keep budget sensitive.

Q: With the district hiring a new engineer, what building projects should take priority and why?

A: One of my continued priorities is security in our schools, both internally and externally. Initially, this is where I would like to see the focus begin because our students and staff deserve it. I would then ask the engineer to do a needs assessment of the district to see where the firm feels our attention needs to direct itself next.

Doris Zellers

Background: Palmerton has been my home for more than 30 years. My two sons are graduates of Palmerton and my grandchildren are now students here as well. Throughout my long health care career and involvement in various organizations devoted to the development and mentoring of our youth, possessing the ability of good communication, listening and problem solving skills was crucial. In my free time I am a mission volunteer and chaplain with the Billy Graham Organization.

Q: What are your top three priorities if elected?

A: If elected as a school director, my top priorities will be focusing on improving communication throughout our district to improve the relationship between the board, administration and the community. I will push for prioritized spending, particularly focusing on safety issues and curriculum improvement. There also is the need for accountability of everyone whose job impacts our district. Presently our district is struggling with many issues which we can overcome, but we need dedicated board members.