Position sought: Moon Area School director

Email address: schisler5@verizon.net

Phone:  724-457-0221

Address: 2502 Minton Drive  Moon Township, PA  15108

Family: husband, Gary; two daughters, Allison and Corinne; one son, Jonathan  (Moon Area graduates); four grandchildren

Education:  Bachelor of arts in special education, with a minor in business, University of Northern Colorado, 1973

Occupation:  retired

Related experience: Classroom teacher from 1974-1976 in Little Rock, ARK.; realtor; corporate trainer; Airport Area La Leche League leader; MCA-TV Board; Moon Township Municipal Authority Board

 What is the primary reason you are running for this office? I want to ensure that the adoption of curriculum for our students is age-appropriate and that parents have an opportunity to have input in the selection of their children’s material. The more we allow the state and federal governments to get involved through and grants, the less control we have over what is chosen for our children.  

 Maintenance and renovation of facilities need to be kept on the forefront; however, we must do this in a manner that Moon and Crescent taxpayers can afford. Spending has skyrocketed, while student performance has stagnated. We need to find out why. 

All employees need to be held strictly accountable for what our children are being taught and what they are learning, and that is ultimately the responsibility of the superintendent of schools. The selection and hiring of a superintendent is therefore one of the most important decisions a board must make.

Finally, I have no personal agenda. My children have graduated. I will be the voice of the parents without fear of repercussions, and I will represent those without children in the district. The recent past has made me passionate to create a responsible future for our entire community.  

What will be your single most important priority if you get elected? Moon and Crescent Township spending is spiraling out of control. We must get control of our expenditures through logical and conservative spending, keeping in mind that the taxpayers’ pockets are not bottomless.

 What sets you apart from the other candidates?  During a period of time while I was serving on our board of education a decade ago, my husband was laid off from US Airways.

We experienced the financial crisis of unemployment, which gives me a deeper understanding of my fellow citizens who are experiencing financial uncertainties.

What's your favorite thing about the school district?  Our neighborhood schools give families a close sense of community. Despite the extravagant costs of our new high school, I am very pleased with its appearance and potential, and I want to explore ways that our Moon and Crescent citizens have opportunities to use the facility.

What is the biggest problem facing the school district? There is a trend of uncontrolled spending and lack of civility.  In addition, many people I have spoken with do not understand that bonds are loans and must be paid back. We have incurred a huge debt in our community, and everyone is being forced to increase their payments for that debt, even if they do not have children in school.