As a North Penn parent, community volunteer, and Family Law attorney, Suzan Leonard, democratic candidate in the upcoming School Board election, feels she has the skills it will take to create a less hostile environment for the School Board and the district at large. The following are Leonard’s responses to six interview questions asked of each incumbent Republican candidate and newcomer Democratic candidate who expressed a willingness to participate.
Q: Why do you believe it is important to serve on the School Board.
A: This is not the first time I have vied for a position on the School Board. While my three sons attended North Penn I was an active volunteer, caring about a quality education. I saw many fine programs enacted, met many fine teachers and administrators. When issues did arise I saw how slowly change comes about. I saw negative feedback from the Board to the community. I saw them as unapproachable. In continuing to volunteer and serve the community I believe the only way to change the negativity and ensure programs are not cut and spending is responsibly made with education in mind, it would have to come from being a member of the School Board.
Q: What are your goals for the upcoming term?
A: My first goal would be to restore civility and repair the toxic environment that has occurred in the past several years between teachers, administrators the community and the School Board. We have to stop the us versus them mentality. We need to be able to work together to face the challenges ahead. I would review the budget carefully, find how we can reduce unnecessary spending, find ways we can partner with the business community and the alumni to increase revenue.
Q: How do you plan to get these goals accomplished?
A: Once on the School Board I plan to reach out to the business community, develop a line of communication with our legislators. I plan on making our Board more user friendly so that the community can get involved. Our meetings will not be held behind closed doors. Most importantly I will be a listener. I would welcome the input from teachers, support staff and administrators as to what issues concern them in the day to day issues of education our children.
Q: What experience qualifies you to hold this position?
A: I am an attorney, parent and community volunteer. My practice specializes in Family Law, where listening, understanding and resolution are an everyday occurrence. I spend my day either in settlement negotiations or litigation, I know how to resolve very emotional issues, both personal and financial. I have volunteered in the elementary, middle and high school with numerous Home and Schools, Clubs and Organizations. I have attended school board meetings, action meetings and work sessions. I know the workings of the board and know many administrators and teachers, support staff and parents through my work in the school system.
Q: How would you encourage local citizens to vote in this election?
A: One of the reasons I decided to run for School Board was the constant negative comments I read in the local newspapers about the North Penn School District. I feel it is important to give voters a choice. My running mates and I have been going out and knocking on doors, we have written letters to the editors of the local papers. We have attended numerous meet and greets, public forums and community events. We will continue to go out and spread our message of New Leadership, Fresh Ideas, and Working together.
Q: Is there any final statement regarding your candidacy you would like to make?
A: I strongly believe in the importance of public education. I was fortunate that my children attended North Penn and received a quality education. I was involved in their education. The tenor and behavior of the current Board is having a negative impact on the morale of all the employees within the district and can only impact the quality of future candidates willing to become employed here.
The strength of our community, the value of our property and the future of our children comes from the quality of the School District. The perception is that the North Penn School District is OK. I hope to be a part of making North Penn great.