MICHAEL BAIRD

No response.

JOSEPH J. BOYLE

DOB: 1960

EDUCATION: 1982, East Stroudsburg University, BS; 1990, East Stroudsburg University, MA

CURRENT OCCUPATION: High school American history teacher

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: 28 years public school teacher/coach; social studies department chair – 8 years; 14 years of youth coaching; 14 years on school board; 8 years school baord president

RESPONSE: The major issue facing our school district is to provide our community with quality educational leadership and instruction while balancing the needs of the taxpayer.  Doing this requires personnel who understand the pressures of No Child Left Behind and its consequences for our students.  Giving our teachers and administrators the tools to meet NCLB is our most important job.

RON ANGLE

No response.

DEMOCRAT

ALBERT RONCA

DOB: 1917

EDUCATION: I did not attend college. I attended public school.

CURRENT OCCUPATION: retired

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: I was in the aluminum products business. I have been on the school board for 50 years. I have dedicated my time to students, teachers of Bangor area School District to a better learning environment for students.

RESPONSE: I view the taxes as a major issue and how to keep them down.

REPUBLICAN

KEVIN PRUETT

DOB: 1954

EDUCATION: 1979, Florida Atlantic University, Bachelor of Business Administration

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Licensed aircraft mechanic director of quality and engineering

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: 8 years Bangor Area School Board; 7 years CIT operating committee; Slate Belt Council of Governments; 26 year military veteran coast guard, army, national guard

RESPONSE: In my eight years on the school board we have kept millage increases modest and have put the district finances in good order. Out facilities are now also in good condition and are adequate for the number of students and programs we have. We do need to continue to improve the quality of instruction and bring our PSSA scores up. The best way to do this is to recruit, retain, and develop good teachers.

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

WILLIAM J. BURKHARDT

www.burkhardt09.com

DOB: 1947

EDUCATION: Liberty High School, 1965; Moravian College, BA Political Science 1969; Lehigh University, MA Education 1972; Lehigh University Principal’s Certification 1976

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired principal, Liberty High School. Co-owner, Bethlehem Dairy Store

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: 35 years experience Bethlehem Area School District. Teacher LHS, Teacher/Assistant Principal Northeast Middle School, Assistant Principal - Freedom High School

RESPONSE: Balancing the academic needs of the students with the financial realities of the community in addition helping to create a more positive relationship between the school board and the district administration. I believe I would bring to the board, as a result of my administrative experience, the ability to develop and evaluate the educational and cost effectiveness of all district programs.

MICHAEL E. FACCINETTO

www.faccinetto2009.com

DOB: 1978

EDUCATION: 2000, Penn State University, BS Insurance

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Insurance agent

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Lifelong resident of Bethlehem Area School District

Applicant for vacant seat in 2008; Local businessman, 9 years; Parent; 10 year volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America numerous leadership awards, trains volunteers in leadership development. Attended 2008 education policy and leadership institute

RESPONSE: The greatest issue facing the BASD community, and for the foreseeable future, is the budge crisis. The funding for many vital programs is in jeopardy in an attempt to limit the tax burden. I will explore ways to better manage our current technology in order to reach all grade levels in a fiscally responsible manner. In addition, I will fight to continue funding those programs that have been a proven success in our district.

IRENE FOLLWEILER

DOB: 1960

EDUCATION: BS degree in business administration, management emphasis, business communications minor, Elizabethtown College; Freedom High School graduate

OCCUPATION: Director, corporate procurement for electronics company; water aerobics instructor, Bethlehem YMCA

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Bethlehem Area School Director since December 2007; Management experience in procurement, finance and budgeting; Served as a swimming coach 1988-1996

RESPONSE: The two largest issues facing our district are the budget and improved academics, one can not be considered more than the other. The school board role is to set policy insuring the students receive a quality education. We need to set financing to achieve this goal without undo burdens on the taxpayer. I have acted with this in mind for the past year and will continue to do so with a professional and respectful attitude.

JUDITH A. DEXTER

DOB: No response

EDUCATION: Cornell Univ. BA 1976, Syracuse University JD 1981

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Attorney practicing social security law

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Attorney, mother of 3, former custody master, former juvenile master. Served 14 years in various capacities for BASD on PTA, parent advisory, and other special committees.

RESPONSE: The district must focus its efforts towards providing an excellent education to our students in all areas. Our budget limitations will necessarily guide spending, but with careful attention to spending BASD will be able to do so. We must also convert variable rate debt to fixed rate debt so district dollars can be spent on educational expenses, not debt service. I will endeavor to address these issues by focusing on curriculum, finances, and leadership.

SCHOOL DIRECTOR REGION 1

(Vote for One; 4 year Term)

DEMOCRAT

AUREA ORTIZ

DOB: 1960

EDUCATION: 1979-1981 University of Puerto Rico secretarial science (course work); 1985 InterAmerican University coursework business management; 1991 The Educational Institute of American Hotel and Motel Association hospitality supervision; 2002 Northampton Community College (Education AA); 2006 DeSales University Bachelor of Arts

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Youth Program Coordinator Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse youth program

RESPONSE: We need to start focusing on ALL children. As a school board member I will strive to create and fight for policies that enhances educational opportunities, limits wasteful expending, and unite all out forces (teachers, administration, and parents) in order for ALL our students, regardless of race, gender, or religion, have a quality of education. They are the hope of our community and we owe our students the opportunity of a quality education

CATASAUQUA AREA

Catasauqua; North Catasauqua; Hanover Township–Lehigh County

SCHOOL DIRECTORS

Term: 4 years

Vote for not more than four

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

PENNY A. HAHN

DONALD J. PANTO

DOB: 1963

EDUCATION: 1981, Easton Area High School; 1985, Moravian College, BA

CURRENT OCCUPATION: President, The Panto Group, LLC, a behavioral healthcare consulting company specializing in innovative solutions for clinical, financial, and administrative management.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Concern for our children; Retiree; 24 years of public administration; 23 year resident of Catasauqua; Small Business Owner; Significant community involvement / volunteerism

RESPONSE: Providing the best education to our children should ever be the core ethic of our community. I believe the pursuit of best academic and operational practices in a cost-effective manner is a continuing challenge that requires vigilance by the school system and the community alike. I would like to serve our community by helping the CASD research, develop and provide the very best educational experience possible to our children.

DEMOCRAT

SALLY J. REISS

EASTON AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT

(City of Easton, Borough of Riegelsville, Townships of Forks, Palmer, Lower Mt. Bethel)

SCHOOL DIRECTOR REGION 2

(Vote for not more than Two; 4 year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

TIMOTHY D. REILLY

DOB: 1963

EDUCATION: 1981, Easton Area High School; 1981-1987 Penn State University; 2005-Present, Northampton Community College; 1987-1988 Army basic and advanced training

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Professional fire fighter, City of Easton, New Jersey Army National Guardsman

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Taxpayer; Easton Area School District, Board of Directors, 8 years; City of Easton Home Rule Charter Commission

RESPONSE: There is no single major issue facing the district, but a number of smaller issues that must be handled in a well thought-out, practical, and down to earth approach. Whether it is planning growth and building, neighborhood schools and re-districting, or financial planning and budget development, the board can no longer be influenced by special interests or political affiliation; but focus on our community’s need to have well educated children.

PAT VULCANO

DOB: 1946

EDUCATION: ASB, BBA, B.Ed., M.Ed., MBA, D.P.A.

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Part-time certified career/advisor/coordinator

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: 30 years high school teacher; 4 years college teaching; 4 years career counseling; 42 years of community service; 20 years City of Easton elected official; 3 Teacher of the Year awards

RESPONSE: The major problems and challenges in education are the continuous unfunding of state and federal mandates without money to back them up. The state and federal government can no keep telling local school boards that new laws must be enforced without giving us the money to accomplish the outcomes they are pushing on us. Taxpayers have had enough! Stop feeding the fat cats in Washington without helping the local taxpayers.

SCHOOL DIRECTOR REGION 3

(Vote for not more than Two; 4 year Term)

DEMOCRAT

SARAH BILOTTI

No response.

JENNIFER HOLZBERGER

DOB: 1971

EDUCATION: 1993, Bucknell University, BA; Teacher certifications through Farleigh Dickinson MAT program (21 credits)

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Homemaker

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Easton Area Council PTA President, 2 years; EAMS PTA Membership Chair, 1 year; Tracy Elementary PTA: Reflections chair, 2 years, council delegate, 1 year, kinder kids chair, 2 years; Former teacher ESL and French K-12

RESPONSE: Because of PSSA results and the status of some schools, untested areas of the curriculum have been watered down to make more time for tested subjects rather than invigorating all areas of the curriculum with thought provoking material and chances for critical skills to develop. If elected, I will work to ensure that a top-notch education is the priority for all of our children.

INDEPENDENT

CHRIS POSSESSKY

DOB: 1964

EDUCATION: Brown University, B.A., Organizational Behavior and Management, 1986; Pepperdine University School of Law, J.D., 1989.

Occupation: Labor Relations Administrator, State of New Jersey, Department of the Treasury, Trenton, NJ.

QUALIFICATIONS: I have developed and sharpened advocacy and negotiating skills as an attorney and in my current job. I have a natural inclination to get along with anyone. I listen intently to gain an understanding of positions from all sides of an issue.///

RESPONSE: Important issues facing the district are substandard academic achievement and fiscal irresponsibility. I will press the administration to reduce expenses so that the current tax rate can be maintained. Department heads must find ways to cut costs. I will not support a budget that increases taxes. I will press the administration to talk to teachers to determine the best means for academic improvement. The administration needs to give teachers broad guidelines and allow them to determine how to use their skills to educate our children,///

(Vote for not more than Two; 4 year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

LINDA McDONALD

DARRELL W. CROOK

SCHOOL DIRECTOR REGION 3

(Vote for not more than Two; 4 year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

CHRIS AUDENRIED

MAURICE C. HELLER

SCHOOL DIRECTOR REGION 1

(Vote for One; 4 year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

ROBERT T. KOCH

SCHOOL DIRECTOR REGION 2

(Vote for not more than Two; 4 year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

JUDY ODENWELDER

SCHOOL DIRECTOR REGION 3

(Vote for One; 4 year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

JANE ERDO

DOB: 1952

EDUCATION: 1970, Churchman’s Business School

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Northeast Region Coordinator for Special Education

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: School director, 8 years; CIU20 school director, 8 years. Education involvement, 20 plus years; Nazareth Council of Governments; Local Right to Education Co-Chair; PSBA Assistant Region 8 Director; PSBA Liaison; Delegate Dual-Enrollment Partnership Employee Benefit Trust

RESPONSE: Everything that effects the education of students and the community that funds our school district.

DEMOCRAT

SCHOOL DIRECTOR

(Vote for no more than Four – 4 Year Term)

DEMOCRATIC / REPUBLICAN

GARY S. FEDORCHA

D.O.B.: 1949

EDUCATION: BS, Med in Education

OCCUPATION: Retired School Administrator

QUALIFICATIONS: 36 yrs in Public Education, 16 yrs as a School Director, 4 yrs on the Pa Standard & Practice Commission, An understanding of School law, budget, and special education rules and guidelines as well a school board guidelines.

RESPONSE: Provide quality education for all students in the district and keep local taxes down. Accomplishing this includes hiring quality staff and providing continuous training and in-servicing for all staff, supporting and funding all programs so students are well equipped to compete at all levels of higher education and future careers, and using grants and other government incentives to support the success of all students. Quality education will strengthen our community.

GREGORY S. WILLIAMS

www.myspace.com/electgwilliams

D.O.B.: 1977

EDUCATION: B.A. in Politics, minor in Business - DeSales University; Graduate – Salisbury High School

OCCUPATION: Business Manager – Rentschler Chevrolet C-J-D

QUALIFICATIONS: In my first term on the board, I have negotiated two agreements with support staff and a teacher’s contract, and currently serve as Board Secretary and chairman of the Policy and Education committee.

RESPONSE: The most important issue in this election is the need to keep our school district moving forward – both financially and educationally. We have to find the right balance between the needs of our taxpayers and the needs of our students. I believe that my first term has shown that I seek that balance in every decision I make, and will continue to do so for as long as I serve on the board.

DONALD H. DENGLER

No response

DEMOCRATIC

REPUBLICAN

LAUREN A. GANSER

SCHOOL DIRECTOR REGION 1

(Vote for Two; 4 Year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

RAYMOND AMERMAN

ETHAN HABRIAL

SCHOOL DIRECTOR REGION 2

(Vote for One; 4 Year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

(cross-filed)

ROBERT C. RUTT

SCHOOL DIRECTOR REGION 3

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

No candidates

(Vote for not more than Four; 4 year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

SCHOOL DIRECTOR REGION 1

(Vote for One; 4 Year Term)

DEMOCRAT

LINDA ANN BASKWELL

SCHOOL DIRECTOR REGION 2

(Vote for Two; 4 Year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

SCOTT R. WAMSLEY

No response.

DEMOCRAT

TONY VERENNA

DOB: 1944

EDUCATION: High School 1962, trade school 4 years 1972, Navy Dental Tech 1962-1966

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Retired

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Past school director

RESPONSE: Making sure our district is always thinking of the taxpayer. Also, with a building project in the works, again making sure we as a district spends the taxpayers money wisely.

REPUBLICAN

ROBERT FEHNEL

DOB: 1955

EDUCATION: 1975, NCC, Associates

CURRENT OCCUPATION: Director print and mail operations

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS OFFICE: Current school director

RESPONSE: A major continuing issue is the balance of a well rounded and good education providing as many opportunities for today’s youth vs. how to fund this. During these tough economic times it becomes more difficult than usual and you must constantly remember and be concerned from a taxpayer point of view.

SCHOOL DIRECTOR REGION 3

(Vote for One; 4 Year Term)

DEMOCRAT / REPUBLICAN

LISA TRESSLAR