There are seven candidates seeking five open Northern Lehigh School Board seats in the Nov. 7 municipal election.

The candidates were asked to respond to the following questions in 75 words or less.

Mathias (Matt) Green

Town: Slatington

Background: Slatington High school graduate. LCCC and Muhlenberg College attendee. Many years experience on local boards at all levels including Northern Lehigh, Lehigh Carbon Community College, Lehigh Career and Technical Institute.

Why are you running for school board: I’ve always had a strong sense of commitment to my community. Over the years, I have been involved in everything from a football and baseball coach to a local firefighter and cub master. I want my community to be the very best it can be. I will continue to strive to make that happen.

What are your three main goals if elected: We need to work collaboratively with our legislators and other districts to revamp our archaic method of funding schools. We also need to develop a plan to provide tax relief particularly for our seniors on fixed income. We need to keep working on providing the best educational experience for our students. We need to stay on top of the latest hardware and software available to insure that happens We need to keep our schools safe.

What one thing would you change about the school district if you could: I believe we need to reassess our policies for homeless, yes we have quite a few, and underachievers who are struggling. We need to make them feel more comfortable and provide the necessary resources for them to achieve. We also need to assure our staff that they are safe to teach and work in a comfortable working environment.

How will you work within the district budget: See partial answers above about revamped funding. We are a poor district with no large malls, warehouses, and almost no commercial areas. Yet, we are in constant competition with neighboring districts for talent at all levels. We need to constantly be aware of investing and refinancing opportunities. Ever dollar needs to be accounted for. We need to continue to provide sound long range planning for both educational and infrastructure projects. Recent inflation has not helped.

Parents have come to the school board meetings to complain about bullying. What do you think is the best solution to this issue: About 2 years ago some parents came to meetings to talk about bullying. We directed every building level administrator to present the processes available in their buildings. While most were sound there was also some tweaking to be done. Obviously, they are not always perfect. However, the Pennsylvania School Board Association cited our district as having one of the best bullying policies in the state.

Robert Kern

Why are you running for school board: I have been a member of the NL School Board for almost six years and look to continue in our quest to enhance the use of technology in the classroom, update course content curriculum, and improve student learning and results on the PA Standardized Tests. As a retired educator, coach, and principal, for 36 plus years enables me to utilize my experience in improving opportunities in our goal in improving student learning.

What are your three main goals if elected: My three main goals continue to be focused on classroom instruction. The teachers’ ability to create and deliver top notch teaching and learning strategies is where the rubber meets the road. WE need to continue to focus in-service opportunities that are meaningful and allow students opportunities in STEAM Education and hands-on learning. I want to continue to support our one to one technology program that allows students to utilize 21st century learning opportunities. Lastly I support all programs, education, and safety equipment needed to enhance safe schools and secure learning environments.

What one thing would you change about the school district if you could: The process has begun to rewrite curriculum and mirror the standards that the PA Department expects our students to master. The process of change is not easy and will take diligence and support from all stakeholders. My role as a School Board Member will be to evaluate our progress and support the needs of the staff to make this happen as quickly and efficiently as possible. Financial decisions need to be made based on student learning and student needs to become successful in whatever future endeavors they have chosen.

How will you work within the district’s budget: The resources of our district are limited. We unfortunately do not have the large businesses in our community in abundant numbers as some of our bordering districts do. The balancing act of creating a competitive learning environment with limited resources is a difficult task. I am committed to evaluating needs versus wants and do my best to work within the budget. I hope everyday that major employers move into our district to help ease the stress on our tax payers.

Parents have come to the school board meetings to complain about bullying? What do you think is the best solution to this issue: I am excited to say that all of our schools have a robust School Wide Positive Support Program that educates students on diversity, bullying, proper and positive behavior. Conquering bullying is a huge challenge that every educational institution faces. The solutions need to involve family involvement and open and honest communication on the policy and consequences of unacceptable behavior.

Gale Husack, Donna Kulp, Natalie Snyder, Angela Williams and Glenn A. Williams did not respond.