Brian Higgins

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• Age:  38
• Residence: Lower Macungie
• Do you have children in the district? Three  (5th, 4th and 1st grades)
• Politicss:  I am a registered Democrat and a practicing Independant.
• Experience:  President - Lower Macungie Youth Association 2009-Present.

1. What motivates you to want to become a board member?

As the parent of three children in the East Penn School District I think that is imperative that the goals of the East Penn School District be allowed to continue to evolve.  I a fearful of those who only value the amount of their tax bill versus the value of an East Penn Education having control over the future of my children’s education.

2. What do you see as the board’s roles and responsibilities?

While no one board member has the power to do anything alone, it is imperative that all of the board members work together to see that there is a fair balance between the needs of the school district and the rights of the tax payer in order to provide a top notch education that will prepare the youth of our community to function as productive adults in society.

3. What is your vision for education in this community?

I support the current vision of the school district, to provide quality public education for the youth of the community.  I believe that it is in every tax payer’s interest that the East Penn School District continues to be a destination for those individuals looking for a better quality of education and that the East Penn School District remains a model that all other districts want to follow.

4. What do you see as the primary work of the board?

To oversee the operation of the East Penn School district in order to provide fiscal responsibility while achieving an outstanding educational experience.

5. What are the current challenges facing education/school boards?

The East Penn School District has several distinct challenges in the very near future.  How do you continue to provide quality education to the children of our community without proper funding for mandates from both the State and Federal Government?  How do you balance the possibility of emptying current funding balances versus adding additional burden on the taxpayers?  What programs need to be sacrificed in order to balance current budget needs?  How can we decrease class sizes with more teachers when there are currently such gaps in the current budget?

6. Would you support a tax increase?

I do not know anyone who wants to pay additional taxes.  However, it is the responsibility of the citizenship to help provide a quality education.  It is the responsibility of the School Board to make sure that any increases in property taxes are the only way to accomplish this goal.  If I am satisfied that the powers that be within the school district have done everything within their power to cut spending in order to balance the budget, and raising taxes is the only alternative, then I would support that raise.

7. Can you think of any district expenses that should be cut?

We learn at each and every school board meeting, there are always ways to cut expenses.  The real question is whether or not those cuts are damaging the education that we are providing our students. I have confidence in the School Administration to leave no stone unturned in their quest to balance the budget.

8. Do you support merit pay for teachers?

As someone who works in the private sector and is partially compensated based on merit I think it is the best way to compensate someone properly.  However, in our current education system, I do not know of any methodology that would allow teachers to be properly evaluated on merit.  Until that time comes it is the responsibility of both the District and the Teachers Union to negotiate a contract that is fair for both sides and allows for the same quality education that is offered today.

9. Are you in favor of the Governor’s school voucher proposal?

I believe that it is the responsibility of our government to provide a quality education to the children of the Commonwealth.  If you would like an alternative then you are free to pursue one.  It should not be the responsibility of the government to fund that alternative.

10 How do you think Gov.Corbett’s proposed budget will affect East Penn?

Currently the Gov. budget will reduce state funding to East Penn by nearly $2 million.  This will require the School district to raise property taxes no matter how many expenses are cut.  At the same time, I believe that it will have a negative impact on the quality of the education that is offered. 

• Do you have a social media page, such as a Facebook account? I do have a group on Facebook.  higginsforeastpenn2011

• Do you tweet? I will be in the near future.

         East Penn School Board Candidates

Samuel Rhodes

Fawn Strunk
*Declined to Participate

Phillip Garrett Rhoades
*Declined to Participate