8 Dallas Post Dallas, PA Friday May 16, 2003 Dallas (continued from page 1) current board is seen in recent district achievements, from high PSSA test scores to the success of their LifeSmarts team. “We have a nice combination of academic achievements and achievements in the arts,” Litz said. “I would like to be part of the continued progress.” The incumbents said the expe- rience they've gained working with construction issues over the last few years would allow them to bring that know-how to the next project — the high school. Thomas Russ, who. works in sales with Nestle Purina, has been on the board for eight years. He said he thinks the cur- rent board works well together. “This board is committed. Al- though we don’t agree on every- thing all the time, we're very di- versified from construction, to sales — everything. It's a good board. I feel they should stay to- gether throughout the construc- ~ tion issues, and all the changes that are coming on,” said Russ. Ernest Ashbridge Jr., Board President, has been on the board for 32 years. He said whether it's encouraging chil- dren to participate in activities or initiating the long-distance learning lab, the board is “push- ing all the time to get the kids the best that's available.” Dennis Gochoel, who has a mechanical engineering degree ~ Versari, Yankovich seek to retain seats Due to an ed- itor’s error, photos of John Versari and Chris Yankovich, cumbent Kingston Town- ship supervi- sors, were omit- ted in last week's issue of The Dallas Post. Both were ap- pointed to the board in 2002 in- John Versari, and are now running for a Chris Yankovich {111 term. and works for Trane, said he thinks it’s time for new thinking. “It's not that we're not a good school district in the area, but I think it's time to start thinking outside of the geographical box, let's not be happy with just be- ing the best in the area, but the best in the state.” Bruce Goeringer, a - dentist with a practice in Dallas, said one of his platforms is that the district sell its ball fields to the Back Mountain Baseball organi- zation rather than to an outside interest. “There are those in the school district not interested in selling it to the Little League. I think it should be kept as a Lit- tle League field and sold at a reasonable price — it's too valu- able a place to the social fabric of the Back Mountain.” Gary Mathers, a retired indus- trial arts teacher and Army vet- eran, said his main concern, the “average student,” could be ad- dressed more by the district. “I think it (the district) has a very fine plan for the top 20 percent of the class, but I'm not so sure that is the case with the middle- of-the-road student. That is my main concern, those students that are in the middle.” Bigus, Principal of Regis Ele- mentary School in Forty-Fort, said he is also concerned about whether the needs of all stu- dents are being adequately ad- dressed. “We are seeing the rise in special education/special needs students. It does seem we are identifying them much more rapidly and thoroughly. We need to make sure we are providing for and meeting the needs of those students.” Candidates’ responses to three questions The Dallas Post aposed the same three questions to each candidate for the Dallas School Board. There responses follow — Do you feel the district should realign the elementary schools and convert to full-day kindergarten? Ernest Ashbridge Jr.: “We're in the midst of a detailed study about whether it's best for the district. It's probably going to take another year to a year and a half before we make a deci- sion.” “As far as full-day kinder- garten, it's up to the state to de- cide what each district should: do and if they come up with money to provide it.” Russell Bigus: “Well 1 think with any major change one should investigate it completely. Do research listing all pros and cons.” “As a parent and educator I see the positive aspects of hav- ing all-day kindergarten. It's something parents nowadays seem to want. I think it's a great { 194000 = LUIIPUSIE 4, Harry gradiated fron Kings Collegé and the University of Pitisbirgh Law School. He is the son of the late Harry and Ann Mattern of Kingston, who were owners of Mattern Flower Shop in Wilkes-Barre: He and his viife; the former Mary Franéy of West Pittston; véside in Kingston with their five prerequisite for first grade.” “The first thing we'd have: to look at is the educational setting for the children. It's a very in- depth process to look at but I think it's worthwhile.” “We must look at two areas. One, how are the needs of our: children being met and will a change better meet their needs?” “Two, will or does funding change (increase or decrease) with either changing the struc- ture or not changing anything.” Dennis Gochoel: “Yes I think we should have full-day kinder- garten, but I don’t think the two have to go hand in hand.” “We moved from out of the area where they had full-day kindergarten, but I don’t think you have to realign to have full- day kindergarten.” ' “My oldest daughter went to a K-2 school when we lived in York, so I have experience in that.” “I'm not 100 percent agai the idea; it has some merits, there's some merits for keeping things the way they are. It hasn't been studied enough.” Bruce Goeringer: “My person- al opinion is that full-day kindergarten is more taxpayer day care. Some children would do well, while others wouldn't.” “I think it restricts the freedom of choice of our parents. Cer- tainly if someone wants their child in an all-day program, that option is available to them now (somewhere else).” On realignment, “I think Wyecallis was built geared toward kindergarteners. To put 4th and 5th grades in those rooms does- n't make sense to me. I think kindergarten rooms should be used for kindergartners.” “It’s unfortunate the building wasn’t built for K-3. If they had done that, they wouldn't have the problem they have now.” access children. He has a sincere titérest in administering justice for the citizens of 6iir eotinity. On May 20th, Cast The Vote That Matters! Harry Mattern For Judge. Paid by Harry Mattern for Judge Comittee ror JC www.HarryMattern.com ¢ The only candidate with over 27 years experience as an attorney ¢ The only U.S. Armed Forces Veteran running for Judge « Exceptional qualities of judicial temperament and legal ability ¢ Judicial Opinions will be published of the internet for full immediate publie ¢ Concerned about the Citizens, Safety and Future of Luzerne County [i HARRY W. SKENE FOR JUDGE Bringing Experience, Community and Justice to Luzerne County * practicing attorney for 14 years - Solicitor for Steve Flood, Luzerne County Controller « court appointed and private mediator * Pittston Tomato Festival Solicitor - Little League, YMCA Basketball and Hockey, and Soccer Coach Believing that in order to be an independent judge in Luzerne County, Harry has decided not to accept campaign contributions from attorneys. As Judge, Harry will assist in the education of our children in the workings of the judicial system, emphasize the need for individuals to take responsibility for their actions, and work with students on training them to solve problems before the matter reaches the judicial system. On May 20, vote Harry W. Skene for Luzerne County Judge Democrats pull Lever 6A Republicans pull Lever 6E Your FIRST CHOICE for Judge in Luzerne County Paid for by Skene for Judge Committee TH Look for it in next week's issue of | a Se a tad ] )
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