Published Letters
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[Most recent at the top]
Burton focus on academic success
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
To the Editor:
Election Day is fast approaching, and I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank all of my supporters. I will join all of you at the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3 as we seek to earn a seat on the Wissahickon School Board.
I say we, because my voice is your voice, and together we will put forth the issues that impact our schools, families, and community. As I have said before, I am not a politician. I am still just Val, your friend, neighbor, customer, volunteer, and John and Tori’s mom. It is because of all of you that I have this opportunity to be elected as one of the school directors on the Wissahickon School Board. I am humbled by your trust and loyalty, and I can assure you that I will always be guided by the knowledge that I represent your interests.
My approach to excellence in school starts with a basic premise; every child, regardless of circumstances, has the capacity to learn and enjoy a successful school career. Each child that walks through the doors of one our schools holds the key to our success as a community; and they must be aware of that promise. Without thriving, exceptional public schools anchoring our neighborhoods, and developing successful students, we all lose. If, as we proclaim, are a “Community of Learners,” we must live up to that claim. Community, by definition, means common good. To that end, all of us, especially the students, must understand that the success of one student, at the expense of another student’s failure, does not benefit the community.
Our teachers must have the freedom to depart from the prescribed lesson plans, so that they are allowed to reach each and every child in the room, and reveal his or her potential. The act of focusing on a student who is struggling, takes nothing away from the classroom. I would suggest it adds an element of cohesiveness among classmates when they are allowed to become a part of the process, as opposed to spectators viewing a distracting sideshow.
One of my team’s key objectives is safety in our schools. My concept of safety goes far beyond protecting students from the physical harm of one another. It means ensuring an environment where every student is free from ridicule, embarrassment, and disrespect. There should be no preferential treatment in academics because of extracurricular activities. Every student should be valued for his or her abilities and accomplishments. All decisions made in the schools should be for the benefit of students.
We will continue to stand together, as we seek academic success for our children, fiscally responsible decisions for our schools and community, a demand for transparency from the school board and excellence from our educators. Thank you again for your continued support, I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience. I have met some really wonderful people, and I look forward to meeting even more of you. I’ll see you at the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3, where I will be asking for your vote for myself and the other members of my team, Teresa Williams, and Ron Stoloff.
Val Burton
Wissahickon School Board
candidate
Original
letter.
© 2009 MontgomeryNews.com, a Journal Register Property
Stoloff will bring education experience
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
To the Editor:
On Nov. 3, 2009 the people of Ambler, Lower Gwynedd and Whitpain who make up the Wissahickon School District will have the opportunity to elect our school board. In the last nine months Teresa Williams, Val Burton and I have gone throughout the school district. We have heard many questions, but one of the most common is, “Why should we be concerned since we have no children in the district?” In answer, we usually point out that they will always pay taxes to our district and the property values are dependant on the quality of education our schools provide. If the schools are seen as defective or deteriorating then few potential home buyers will be interested in looking here and our property values will plummet. Yet we don’t want to have to raise taxes to such a degree that we drive people out of Wissahickon. That is the delicate balancing act every school board faces and one that we, candidates for the school director position will consider most carefully.
Many of you know Teresa Williams from her two terms on the board and her strong sense of responsibility to her family, students, teachers, taxpayers and administrators in the district.
Val Burton has been an active volunteer as a parent almost from the moment her children started school. Many of you probably saw her at the Back to School Night at Wissahickon High School as she sold raffle tickets for the highly coveted student parking spaces.
I was a teacher for 35 years and while attending Wissahickon School Board meetings was flabbergasted to see that not one person on the board was a career educator and that became the driving force in my campaign. Being in a class with young minds is at the same instant one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences one can have. Throughout my career I was involved in many projects that sought to find and implement strategies so that our students could learn skills and methods of approaching problems that will not only help them in any particular class but in their entire lives.
If elected, I hope to be able to share my experiences and insight as we, as a board, together, seek to make our schools even stronger and ensure that our children — who are at the root of everything we will do — are successful.
I suggest you check out our Website: www.GreatSchoolTeam.org for more information.
Ron Stoloff
Candidate for Wissahickon School
Board Director
Original Letter.
© 2009 MontgomeryNews.com, a Journal Register Property
PIT issue needs to be set straight
To the Editor:
I find somewhat amazing that Al DeGennaro and Brian Miles continue to create an issue where there is none or, is this just another ploy to scare our seniors and uninformed voters.
Let’s set the record straight: My running mates and I are totally against the Personal Income Tax (PIT). Yes, I did serve on the Local Tax Study Commission, which was charged to do the fact-finding concerning the EIT & PIT. However, I must say that once all the facts were in and after careful consideration, I am totally 110 percent against the PIT.
Mr. Wes Shirk in his letter to the Editor on June 3 was correct. We currently have an Earned Income Tax (EIT), which is based on salary and other similar earnings. The PIT issue was dealt with two years ago by Gov. Rendell and has been removed for consideration at this time.
Prior to the May 19 primary there were letters published to the editor and posted on the Republican Web site which stated that under Republican leadership the Wissahickon School Board has had an outstanding record. Well, let’s take a minute and evaluate this. For the last eight years I sat on the Wissahickon School Board as a Republican and during that tenure the Republicans have always had the majority. In fact, the Republican majority voted for the Democratic leadership. None of the Republican’s listed accomplishments would have been possible without the Democrats exercising sound fiscal spending during their time in leadership. The board is now reaping the rewards from the surplus amassed during that period. In addition, some Republicans who expressed reservations about going forward with the Technology Infrastructure now are applauding it as their accomplishment.
My first full term I ran unopposed as a Republican. Prior to the end of my first term, I was approached by Mr. Al DeGennaro and asked to run on the ticket with the endorsed Republican candidates. Brian Miles supported that decision.
I believe that the nine board members should be independent minds collectively working together for the advancement and betterment of the Wissahickon Students and Community.
Partisan politics has no place on the Wissahickon School Board.
Teresa Williams
Wissahickon School Board Director
Ambler Gazette, July 1, 2009, Page 6
Fears about PIT rumors confirmed
To the Editor,
I read the letter from Wes Shirk, “No WSB candidates are in favor of PIT,” in the June 6 Ambler Gazette with dismay [see below]. As a candidate for the Wissahickon School Board I had heard rumors the Republican candidates were spreading statements that we were going to raise the taxes on the retired yet seeing the rumor supported by someone who was actually there confirms my worst fears: the Republican candidates are not interested in an election that discusses issues vital to the entire Wissahickon community but are only in striking fear in the hearts of our most vulnerable citizens.
The question quickly rises, “Why are they so afraid of the opposition?” Is it that they have nothing to say to attract voters without bringing up an issue that has been dead for at least 2 years?
On election day I spoke to many folks from Normandy Farms as they came off the bus and were about to enter the polling place and most had heard that the Democrats were for the Personal Income Tax (PIT). I told the voters that, “A steak had been driven into the ‘heart’ of that idea and no one is foolish enough to pull it out to give the question new life.”
Many were surprised, though others said that they thought it was already dead and were additionally surprised that only Republicans had been invited to speak to the residents and Democrats had not been offered the opportunity.
I hope that in the months leading up to November we all have a chance to speak to our neighbors in Normandy Farms – and other communities as well – so everyone can make an informed decision that impacts so much of our life in Wissahickon.
Ron Stoloff,
Candidate for Wissahickon
School Board
No WSB candidates are in favor of PIT
To the Editor:
The Tuesday before the primary I attended a meeting at Normandy Farms, where we heard from three of the four Republican candidates that are running for the
Wissahickon School Board. The candidates present were Barb Moyer, Dawn Roberts and Marjorie Brown. During the course of their presentation, all of the candidates, as well as a letter written by the fourth candidate, Dick Stanton, implied that the Democratic candidates running for school board were in favor of the
Personal Income Tax (PIT).
This tax would have been based on all income. We currently have an Earned Income Tax
(EIT), which is based on salary and other similar earnings (I subsequently discovered that the
PIT issue was dealt with two years ago by Gov. Rendell and had been removed from consideration at that time).
After hearing that the Democratic candidates were supposedly in favor of the PIT, I was so concerned I made it a point to contact the Democratic candidates who stated in no uncertain terms that they had no interest in even considering a PIT.
I'm not sure if this was just a misunderstanding on the part of the whole audience or if this was a case of
"telling the truth in a manner calculated to deceive." Just so everyone is clear about this issue,
none of the candidates who were running for the Wissahickon School Board are in favor of changing the way we pay school
taxes.
Wes Shirk,
Gwynedd
WSB victory an appreciated honor
To the Editor:
I wanted to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of the people who voted for me on May 19. I really appreciated all the help and support I received during the campaign process. It meant a lot to me to hear your words of encouragement especially after the grueling hours of that day.
As a Wissachickon School director, I have served as/on:
- North Montco Technical Career Center Representative
- Policy Committee
- Curriculum/Technology Committee
- Facilities/Transportation Committee (in which I chaired 2007-2008)
As an Ambler resident, I am especially grateful for the approval you have in my past performance, so that I may continue my service to our town. For me, the past eight years have gone by very quickly. However, with confidence, I say the experience has been very rewarding and a growing one. However, the primary is just the beginning and we have unfinished business to take care of to ensure victory in November.
As always, my goal has been to ensure the safety and security of our students in addition to making sure all our students receive the quality education they deserve.
To those who voted for me in the election I will strive to continue to meet your expectations. However, for those who didn’t I will work very hard to gain your confidence and support.
Teresa Williams
,Wissahickon School Board director
The following letter was submitted but not published in the
Ambler Gazette for May 27, 2009
To the Editor
Thanks to many of you, I will be moving on to the ballot in November to run for a position on the Wissahickon School Board. I would like to congratulate all the candidates that were successful on Election Day, but particularly the other endorsed Democrats for the Wissahickon School Board, Teresa Williams, Ron Stoloff, and Chris Cormier. There are many people I would like to personally thank, but today there is a more pressing matter I would like to address.
A very disturbing event that was designed to negatively impact the election, and undoubtedly did, has disturbed me. It was brought to the attention of the Democratic Candidates running for the Wissahickon School Board one week prior to the election, that our opponents on the Endorsed Republican ticket paid a visit to the residents of Normandy Farm Estates. Under the leadership of Barb Moyer, our current Vice-President on the Wissahickon School Board, Dawn Roberts and Marjorie Brown arranged a meeting with these senior residents. They brought with them a letter in support of their efforts from current board member Dick Stanton. The purpose of the visit was to put forth a message to these residents that the candidates running on the Democratic ticket would impose a Personal Income Tax, which would severely impact anyone on a pension.
Nothing could be farther from the truth and I find it reprehensible that anyone, for any purpose, and in particular, political gain, would dare to frighten seniors. The Democrats were denied equal access to these residents, to set the record straight. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to speak with many of these seniors on Election Day, as these loyal voters streamed steadily to the polls. They all wanted to know if I would vote for imposing a Personal Income Tax on their Social Security or pensions. I looked them in the eyes and assured them that I would not, and I apologized for the outrageous behavior of my opponents. I am very passionate about the protection and respect extended to our seniors, and I will go to great lengths to ensure that no one exploits this demographic in our district.
The Wissahickon School Board is supposed to be a bipartisan board of directors that operates in the best interests of students, educators, and residents in the community. In light of this political tactic, it is my position that Barb Moyer and Dick Stanton should apologize, and I respectfully ask that the Republican Party reconsider its endorsement. I further feel that Marjorie Brown and Dawn Roberts have rendered themselves ineligible to represent the best interests of this community and should withdraw their candidacy. Integrity is the least that we can ask of those who represent our interests and our children’s interests. These candidates have shown both a lack of integrity and a blatant disregard for the concerns of some of our most vulnerable constituents. This behavior must be dealt with immediately and deliberately; we must not allow these candidates to blemish our district any further.
Val Burton
Candidate for Wissahickon School Board
To the Editor:
On May 19th voters in the Wissahickon School District will be able to vote for four positions on the Board. I am running for one of them and would like you to know who I am and what I offer you and the students in the District.
First, I was a teacher in public school for 35 years and throughout those years was heavily involved in developing several successful reform movements – attempts to make the educational experience better for students. I think it is an excellent idea that someone on the Board know what life is like after the classroom door is closed where theory gives way to reality as only students and teachers are left to interact. No Board member, without this experience, can meet and make judgments about the future of our schools and I plan to share my experiences as we wrestle with all the problems that face modern education.
While attending a recent Board meeting I was startled to discover that the Wissahickon School District is investigating the use of Small Learning Communities (SLCs). I found this fascinating: This is what I was involved in for the last 15 years of my carrier. I was one of the founding members of an SLC – then called a Charter. Following that I was a member and then chair of the Restructuring Council in my school as we heard and decided which SLC proposals would be accepted as we moved into Career Centered SLC’s – the very same path Wissahickon is pursuing now.
Because of this I feel that I would be an excellent resource for the Board if I am elected.
I attended Temple University and received a Masters from Beaver/Arcadia University and was involved in writing and testing curricula for high school. I made many presentations at numerous conferences on the implementation of technology in the classroom and was the technology coordinator at my school.
Since my retirement I’ve been involved in a program that recycles computers and offers them at low cost or gives them away for free and have arranged for over 150 students at my former school to get these life changing tools.
I loved getting up each morning and heading out to teach and hope that part of my responsibility on the new Board will be to help support that passion in our teachers and lift burdens that come between the teacher and the student so that we can look forward to our students making us all proud of their achievements in the Wissahickon School District.
Finally, check out our web site, The Great School Team at www.GreatSchoolTeam.org for more information about me and the others running with me: Theresa Williams, incumbent, Val Burton and Chris Cormier. All three have, had, or soon will have, children in the District.
Ron Stoloff,
Blue Bell
Unpublished but submitted to Ambler Gazette, May 10, 2009
Burton promises fresh approach
To the Editor:
My name is Val Burton; I am an endorsed Democratic candidate for the Wissahickon School Board.
I am not a politician; I am a parent, friend, neighbor, volunteer, and consumer. I have lived in the Wissahickon School District for 16 years. I have a junior at the high school and a seventh-grader at the middle school. I have volunteered extensively in the district for the past 12 years, and I hope to continue my volunteer work for many years to come.
I served on the Home and School Association executive board for three years at Shady Grove Elementary. I have chaired the Executive Board Nominating Committee, Excess Funds Committee, and co-chaired Kids C.A.R.E. Community Service Program, and Grant Writing Committee on behalf of the H&SA.
The Wissahickon School District is an intricate mosaic of rich cultural diversity, tasked with improving the discrepancies in achievement, and thereby alleviating the economic disparity that is directly linked to an unsuccessful school career. If this is not tackled head on, its negative effects will reverberate throughout our community.
I believe members of the Wissahickon School Board are charged with balancing the success of the schools in the district, committing to transparency and making fiscally responsible decisions on behalf of our students, staff and community. I am mindful of the challenge before me to guard the interests of all parties, and keenly aware of the inherent struggle that can sometimes ensue. However, I believe a healthy and thriving community begins with, and is sustained by, a successful public school system. It is the bedrock from which all subsequent value in the district is measured.
It is not without passionate opposition that I adamantly proclaim that every child has the capacity to learn and be a successful student. However, this can only be achieved if we ensure that our curriculum allows for purposeful, diversified, effective teaching. We must also have a commitment from families and community leaders, to donate time and resources, so that students are on a level playing field. I am firmly against continuing processes that have proven to be ineffective or find any student at a disadvantage.
I am vehemently opposed to wasteful spending. Fiscal responsibility must be adhered to for the benefit of all constituents. Every financial decision must be an ethical investment that is statistically sound, with measurable profitability that is viewable to the naked eye. To that end, I would seek to employ the most sensible, cost effective methods available to fund any necessary expenditures. Please join me in my effort to ensure transparency throughout the district. I want you seated at the table offering input into the decisions that will affect your family and livelihood.
I am appreciative and humbled by the bipartisan support I have received throughout the district. So, it is with great humility that I ask the students, educators, staff, residents, and business owners in the Wissahickon School District to allow me to represent your interests as a member of the Wissahickon School Board.
Vote for Val Burton on Tuesday, May 19, 2009, it’s time for a fresh voice and a new approach.
Val Burton
Democratic candidate for
Burton will bring tireless dedication
To the Editor:
As past co-president of the Home & School Association of Shady Grove elementary, I have had the pleasure of working with Val Burton for more than five years. Val is a woman with a tireless dedication to serving the needs of children in our area. She has actively volunteered her time throughout the district in a variety of capacities. As such, she has a thorough understanding of the needs of our students and faculty. Val is committed to being directly engaged in the activities of the district.
Her core belief that every student has the ability to achieve success will be a strong basis for setting policy and standards for the district. As an advocate for our children, she will closely listen and represent all members of the community regardless of party affiliation.
She is an independent, free thinker who can bring valuable new perspectives to the issues facing our community.
She has earned my respect and admiration and if given the opportunity, I’m sure she’ll earn yours too. Please vote for Val Burton as a candidate for the Wissahickon School Board on May 19.
Michele Minnick
Blue Bell