Letters: Pope’s perspective important on BOT; Bader is ‘tireless advocate’ for kids

Editor’s note: The CDT welcomes letters endorsing candidates in the May 16 primary election and will accept letters that are received by May 11. Letters are subject to editing, must be based on facts and should avoid attacks on other candidates.

Pope’s perspective important on BOT

Universities are complex organizational structures, and at a university as multifaceted as Penn State, those complexities are compounded. Declining enrollments, increasing demand for online courses, flipped classrooms and student demand for new pedagogical models, as well as questions about the role of universities in today’s society are just a few of these complexities. Many boards of trustees are comprised of accomplished business professionals, but with limited knowledge of a university’s inner workings. Sometimes a seat is given to a member of the university faculty, whose livelihood is dependent upon that same governing body. As a university professor, I believe that a board of trustees needs to include an independent voice of higher education, a trustee who has served on a university faculty and can provide important perspective on the issues before them. Alice Pope, Ph.D. has been that voice for the Penn State Board of Trustees. Her experience and perspective are why she has my support (and my vote) for Penn State Alumni-Elected Trustee.

Bader is ‘tireless advocate’ for kids

I am pleased to support my friend and former colleague, Dr. Amy Bader, as she seeks her third term with the SCASD Board of Directors. Amy is exactly the kind of person our children should have in their corner.

A scientist by training, Amy is committed to facts as fundamental to her advocacy for our school community. Such a commitment made her a critical force for both the change in the student school day and the transition to an evidence-based approach to reading — significant contributions to the daily lives of our students, among many other things.

Amy is also fueled by the principle that every child should be seen as an individual with needs, talents and potential. Her compassion for this community’s children is visible in her daily work as school director. She is a tireless advocate for kids from marginalized communities, kids with disabilities, gifted learners, and the kids who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

Amy sees public schools as opportunity makers. The product of modest but strong public schools, Amy believes deeply that public schools are fundamental to both the success of the students who pass through them, and to the guarantee of strong, democratic, and inclusive communities.

Amy is as sharp as anyone I have ever known; our community’s children are undeniably better for having her serving on the board. I urge you to go to the polls on May 16 and vote again for Amy Bader and the rest of the Slate for State team.

LGBTQ+ representation on school boards is critical

As a passionate advocate for education and inclusion, I am writing to highlight the critical importance of LGBTQ-inclusive school environments for the success and mental health of all students.

It is clear that feeling safe, seen and valued is crucial to student achievement and positive mental health outcomes. This is particularly true for LGBTQ+ students who often face significant barriers to success. When students are supported in school through inclusive policies and curriculum, they experience more positive outcomes and face fewer obstacles to success.

Moreover, LGBTQ+-inclusive schools benefit all students by promoting empathy, understanding and respect for diverse identities. As we work to prepare students for a diverse and complex world, it is essential that we equip them with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive within a diverse democracy.

This is why LGBTQ+ representation on school boards is so critical. A school board that values perspectives and prioritizes equity is more likely to create inclusive policies and curricula that benefit all students.

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community with experience managing varied teams and promoting transparency and community engagement, I am committed to serving on this board and working to ensure that all students have access to the best possible education. I am running with four other amazing candidates (Amy Bader, Gretchen Brandt, Anne Demo and Aaron Miller) to ensure we deliver an inclusive and equitable environment for all of our children.