Security, homelessness and technology among concerns in Central York school board race

School security, the use of technology and homelessness are some of the issues raised by candidates running for the Central York School District board of directors. 

Ten candidates are vying for five seats. 

All of the candidates — except for one — will appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots. Ed Blankenstein will only appear on the Democratic ticket.

The five with the highest votes on each ticket will advance to the general election.

Here are the candidates and their responses:

Ed Blankenstein

Age: 63
Occupation: Retired teacher
Education: Master’s of Education from Millersville University
School district/municipal experience: Taught in the Central York School District for almost 30 years.  Served the past 4 years of the Central York School Board as a School Director

Why are you running?

I am running for re-election because I would like to continue the educational agenda that has been successfully implemented during past 4 years. Our state and federal education departments have identified our district for it’s educational endeavors and outcomes. A personalized learning environment and the efforts that the staff has been implementing needs to continue with a board that supports those initiatives.  With my experience of almost 30 years as a Secondary Education Social Studies teacher, I believe, this gives me a better understanding of the educational needs of students over other non-educational experienced candidates.

What is the biggest issue facing the district, and how would you address it?

I believe there are many issues facing all school districts, including Central’s.  To answer this question in just a few words would be an injustice.  However, I will try and answer with what I consider issues that I am working to address. One is the continued safety and security of our district. I have been highly involved as a school director and as a committee member with evaluating and implementing the best forms of security for a district of our size that is cost effective. Students and staff need to feel safe and secure in their buildings. To not do this would be an injustice to our students and community.  Another issue of grave concern is the growing homeless situation.  The numbers continue to escalate.

What is your goal for what the school district will look like in 5 years? How will you achieve that?

Looking to the future of Central York, I would like to see a school district continue on its successful path of student achievement. I believe that a learning concept that allows for a more personalized educational learning environment with the teacher guiding the subjects at the student’s levels allows for the success of all learners. Achieving this would involve a school board, which supports the initiatives in as many necessary ways as possible.  Constantly evaluating staffing decisions and cost effective spending decisions needs to be done and overseen by the board of directors.

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Marie L. Damiano

Age: 54
Occupation: Client Services for a Pension Fund
Education: BS in Accounting from Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia PA
School district/municipal experience: Central York School Board Director 6/2015-11/2017

Why are you running?

Having formerly served as an elected School Board Director from 6/2015-11/2017, I am passionate about public education. My commitment to our students, teachers and taxpayers is evidenced by making fiscally responsible decisions while making certain that ALL students were provided the opportunities to reach their full potential. During that time, we passed a resolution stating the District did not place value in measuring students or teachers based on standardized tests. We implemented the Panther Pathways, secured the services of TW Ponessa to assist with social and mental health components and offered a federally-funded summer lunch program. I believe in a strong sense of community, a belief in diversity, transparency and in the well-being of the whole student – social, emotional an academic.

What is the biggest issue facing the district, and how would you address it?

It is our responsibility to produce students who are creative, collaborative and critical thinkers who can be productive in a global society. The challenge in achieving this is to focus on the well-being of the whole child. This can be addressed by providing services that focus on safety – physical and emotional. Partnership with our teachers is critical. Technology is a tool but never a replacement of the human element. Balancing these issues is what will allow us to be successful.

What is your goal for what the school district will look like in 5 years? How will you achieve that?

The mission statement defines our goal: to provide ALL students with the opportunities to reach their full potential. Holding the district accountable for the resources it is blessed with is one component to achieve this goal. Continuing to champion for ALL students and embracing and celebrating our differences is yet another means to accomplishing the goal. Always placing the whole child at the center of all decisions is critical to the continued success of the Central York School District.

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Stephen F. Feldmann

Age: 63
Occupation: Director of Development, York County Bar Foundation
Education: HS, Central York; BA (History) Allegheny College; MA (Am. Studies) Penn State
School district/municipal experience: 3 time member, Continuing Ed. Committee; 2 time member Long Range Planning Committee

Why are you running?  

Public Education must keep itself relevant for students in the 21st Century.  Central has worked hard to adapt to rapidly-changing times; I want to help it provide a great education for each and every student.

My work with teachers and administrators, current school board members and other parents on District committees has convinced me that Central is generally heading in the right direction. There are many conflicting forces that are making it difficult to keep ahead of these rapidly-changing times. I want to help navigate this rocky territory so that every child who comes in our doors goes back out as a graduating senior equipped to be a productive and mindful citizen.

What is the biggest issue facing the district, and how would you address it? 

The biggest challenge is adapting the classic model of educational process that served America well for over a century to a world vastly different from the one in which that model served. We have the capability now, probably for the first time ever, to adopt best practices of multiple learning styles and individual learning planning to every single child — technology and the world of "big data" gives teachers this capability.  The problem has been adapting practices, attitudes and developing the teaching tools necessary to do it. Central is in the middle of this process, and the signs are very exciting. I want to see this continue and expand, and, frankly, adapt to whatever is coming down the change road next!

What is your goal for what the school district will look like in 5 years? How will you achieve that? 

My vision for Central is that, in 5 years, every child will be able to tap their own individual, amazing ability to learn and grow intellectually, aided and guided by teachers who are sensitive and responsive to that child's interests, strengths and challenges. They will be equipped with enough ideas, examples and models, along with up-to-date information, and access to it, to do the job.

My job as a school director will be to make sure this is happening effectively and efficiently, in a cost-effective way. We must ensure that all is in keeping with state law, and monitor and communicate to the residents of the District our progress, setbacks, and successes.  Public education is worthy of our community's investment.

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Jodi Grothe

Age: 47
Occupation: Stewardship Coordinator in the Office of Development at Penn State Harrisburg
Education: Continuing my education at Penn State Harrisburg to obtain a B.A. degree in Communications
School district/municipal experience: Two years in a support staff role at Central York School District

Why are you running?

I have been a resident of Central York School District since 2001. I have two children at Central York High School and a graduate. I want to ensure safety at our schools and programs that meet the diverse needs of the district while being fiscally responsible. I’m a taxpayer, and my retired parents live in the district, too. I know the impact tax increases have in their fixed income. We have to strike the right balance in doing well by the children and taxpayers. If I am fortunate to serve the public on the school board, I plan to use my personal and professional experience to serve the Central York community.

What is the biggest issue facing the district, and how would you address it?

The biggest issue facing our district is being financially responsible by making well informed choices and planning. Central York can be debt-free by the end of 2023-2024. We can cut taxes in 2024-2025 if we stick to a budget. Taxpayers on fixed incomes, including retirees and single parent families deserve a tax cut.

We need to prioritize spending. Ensuring the safety and security of students in our schools is a priority.

Buildings need to be properly maintained but there should be money in an annual budget and a five-year plan to prepare for regular building maintenance. Budgets should not be exhausted only to be hit with normal building repairs that there was no budget for. That is not responsible.

What is your goal for what the school district will look like in 5 years? How will you achieve that?

My goal is to create a more transparent and responsive board. Central York should answer to families who live here, including families with children in school and families with no children but who pay taxes.

Central York can be debt-free by the end of 2023-2024. We can cut taxes in 2024-2025 if we stick to a budget. Taxpayers on fixed incomes, including retirees and single parent families deserve a tax cut.

Central York should actively survey families and respond to the feedback. Something similar was just done on the topic of bullying. Central York has the capability and it could benefit other areas.

It would allow the board and administration to receive more community feedback as well as making them more accountable for their decisions.

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Vickie Guth

Age: 70
Occupation: Retired Chief Financial Officer
Education: BS-Math & Secondary Ed, MBA, MS-Finance
School district/municipal experience: None 

Why are you running?

I have a child in the district and 3 school-aged grandchildren. I believe that education is the key to a successful future for each student and for our society. I am a retired Chief Financial Officer with 30+ years of experience in financial management, human resources and working with a team to achieve goals. I have also served on several non-profit boards, including Meals on Wheels and Franklin Square Hospital. Because I am retired, I have the time to devote to the activities of the Board that others may not.

I believe my passion for quality education for my family and all the families in the district and my years of experience can be a real asset to the School Board.

What is the biggest issue facing the district and how would you address it?

Finances are always a major issue-balancing the needs of our children with the needs of district taxpayers, many of whom struggle financially. I would draw on my experience as a CFO to help the School Board team find ways to meet Central’s mission to provide opportunities for ALL learners to achieve their full potential, without overburdening residents with tax increases. According to financial projections, Central should be able to payoff existing debt in 2024-25. This should allow for a tax cut but will take careful planning and management to achieve. Costs of personnel, transportation, technology and maintaining our aging properties are continually going up. The costs for increased security add to the need for creative financial management. I hope to contribute to finding solutions.

What is your goal for what the school district will look like in 5 years? How will you achieve that?

Central’s School Board seems disconnected from the community. Only a few voices are heard at Board meetings, yet the decisions made by Board members affect every family and taxpayer. Board information is available online but is time consuming to access. I’d like to see the Administration and Board reach out to our families by sending regular updates and seeking input on critical issues through surveys and other means. I would use Central’s extensive technology to communicate so that every stakeholder can freely voice their opinions and concerns and feel a part of the Panther Community.  We are all in this together, and we all care about our children’s future. The Board members, elected by the residents, need to start listening more and talking less!   

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Kyle King

Age: 40
Occupation: Chief Administrator, Office of the District Attorney
Education: BS in Political Science from Shenandoah University
School district /municipal experience: I have volunteered my time working with the CYSD’s Human Elements Committee and its newly formed Safety and Security Committee, more specifically the Communications sub-committee.

Why are you running?

As the father of one young child, I am concerned with the safety and education of our children. In the aftermath of last year's week-long shutdown, I worked with CYSD officials and our Grant Administrator to help secure a grant of $37,000 to help ensure Central is providing a safe environment for our kids to learn. Providing our kids with a safe and secure environment to learn, is our most important job. My work as Chief Administrator at the District Attorney’s Office has provided me experience which will be beneficial in serving the Central York community in important areas like government budgeting and public employee management. 

What is the biggest issue facing the district, and how would you address it?

Security is a huge issue, but it ties in, like everything, with the budget. The disruption to the community last year when the CYSD shut down was tremendous. So many people were concerned about their children, and I remember hearing story after story from people in the community rushing to pick up their children when the threats were made. I want to work with law enforcement and the administration to make sure the schools have the safety and security resources they need, whether it be School Resource Officers contracted through local police departments or physical security measures. Additionally, we must seek to balance the budget, provide a quality education for all learners, and make sure that each child has the same opportunity to succeed.

What is your goal for what the school district will look like in 5 years? How will you achieve that?

I want to see a board that actively communicates with the citizens in the district more often and in more detail. An open and transparent board with members who collaborate well together to solve problems has a real chance to do some great things for the children of our community and our taxpayers. It’s time we listen to the children, parents, teachers and taxpayers, so that we are responding to what families truly need. More town halls, more online surveys, and more active recruitment of a diverse group of citizens to participate in board meetings or committees would be great places to start.

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Gregory W. Lewis

Age: 66
Occupation: Retired X 2
Education: Graduated from the USAF Academy in 1976. Holds a BS in engineering mechanics and 3 MA’s in aviation management, international affairs, and national security management.
School district/municipal experience: Served in the USAF for a total of 29 years as a fighter pilot, staff officer, and commander, including combat as an F-16 pilot in Operation Desert Storm earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism.  After retiring in 2000 as a colonel, began a second career as a pilot for Southwest Airlines, from which he retired in March 2018 after reaching the federally mandated retirement age of 65.  Currently serves as the Executive Director of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association, a charity which raises money for the families of deceased aviators killed on active duty.  Greg has served two full terms on the CYSD Board of Directors and is running for a third term.  He and his wife of 34 years, Catherine, have lived in the district for 15 years with both their now adult sons graduating from CYHS.  Greg also serves as an admissions officer for the USAF Academy. 

Why are you running? 

I believe in public service; all should give something back to the community in which we are blessed to live.  And honestly, my past service has been personally very gratifying.  I’m also very proud of the Central York School District and want to ensure we continue on our path of excellence.  We have provided incredible opportunities for all our students, led the way in 21st Century education, been recognized multiple times by many prestigious organizations, and done it all while being very fiscally responsible, which has also been recognized by many faultless audits.  Our superintendent was PA’s Supt-of-the-Year and several other of our employees have won high honors. We are truly leading the way, and we need to stay on course!

What is the biggest issue facing the district, and how would you address it? 

In 4 years our debt will be paid, freeing up $8mil. The administration has done a magnificent job of managing our budget with wise and constrained spending over the last decade, and our children have not suffered.  To the contrary, we have offered Mass Customized Learning, jobs programs, college-in-the-high-school, a new AFJROTC program, several new sports programs, brought “farmed-out” special education back into our system, just to name a few.  All of these opportunities while negotiating fair contracts with our teachers and support personnel, rewarding them with competitive pay raises in exchange for high deductible medical plans. So, we must continue the fine job of balancing competing priorities, ensuring our children receive one of the finest educations available anywhere while being fair to our taxpayers.

What is your goal for what the school district will look like in 5 years? How will you achieve that?  

We will be debt free, one of the few PA districts able to claim that honor. That will allow us much budget breathing room; however, many different “forces” will want that “free” money.  We will evaluate at the time, but the lack of debt will allow us to both rebuild our reserve funds while hopefully LOWERING TAX RATES!  Additionally, the CYSD will be much further down the refinement road of Mass Customized Learning, allowing students to learn in the manner they learn best, bringing education into the Information Age and out of the Industrial Age models we all grew up in.  That was a hard sell to me at first, but I’m fully supportive and believe strongly in the visionary path we have taken. 

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Edwin L. Speed

Age: 56
Occupation: Commercial Pilot, Captain for Southwest Airlines
Education: Bachelor of Science from the United States Air Force Academy
School district/municipal experience: I have educational and organizational experience from my years of service as an instructor pilot, check pilot, evaluator pilot, executive officer and aircraft commander in the U.S. Air Force. Currently, as a Captain at Southwest Airlines, I coordinate the efforts of ground personnel, flight operations and passenger issues for each of my flights.

Why are you running?

I am running for the Central York School Board because many of my peers have asked me to. As parents of students in the Central York Schools, we share common concerns with the methods and techniques that have recently been adopted at the schools. They know that I will hear their concerns and be an engaged board member bringing up their concerns and ideas to be addressed by the board.

What is the biggest issue facing the district, and how would you address it?

The way the technology has been implemented into the school system seems to have been poorly implemented. Specifically, some teachers were sidelined from instruction at the rollout of the IBM Watson experiment. They were told that they were to be “learning facilitators”. As a result, students struggled without clear instruction and parents were confused as to what was expected of their children to obtain grade level requirements.

There needs to be a comprehensive look at re-engaging the teachers in the classroom. Teachers have different teaching styles that are unique to that teacher which allows them to convey the knowledge to the students in a way that each student can embrace. The use of technology is a tool for teachers to do this, not a substitute.

What is your goal for what the school district will look like in 5 years? How will you achieve that?

My goal for the district is to find the proper balance of the role of teachers in the classroom using technology.

In 1903, the Wright brothers flew the first airplane for 12 seconds, 20 feet high for 120 feet on Kitty Hawk beach. Today, we now have commercial airplanes like the A-380 that carries up to 853 passengers and has a range of 8,000 nautical miles. Both airplanes adhere to the basic principles of flight and require a pilot. Advances in technology aid the pilots in flight, they do not replace them.

In teaching, the conveyance of knowledge to a pupil making what’s unknown become known is the goal of instruction. My vision is that through coordinated planning a well-rounded, teacher-based, student-centered, technology-balanced curriculum will be in place. 

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Eric P. Wolfgang

Age: 59
Occupation: Quality Assurance Manager
Education: Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from Penn State
School district/municipal experience: Central York School Board Member 20 years

Why are you running?

As a member of the business community, I realize the value of a strong education is the key to our future economic success. I'm running to continue my 20 years of experience on the Board as an advocate for all the stakeholders in the District and balancing their needs and concerns to provide the very best educational opportunities for each and every learner to reach their potential. I know of no greater value of a school board member than providing those educational opportunities to all learners who will make up the next generation of citizens and leaders of our country. I am excited about this very important commitment and I would welcome the opportunity to continue contributing to this worthy community service position.

What is the biggest issue facing the district, and how would you address it?

Continuing to remain highly effective and efficient, while faced with the ever growing pension obligation and budgetary pressures that come from the lack of an equitable State Education funding formula which only provides Central York with about 25% of our revenue, despite gaining hundreds of students over the past two decades. We need to continue to lobby the State Legislators for long term solutions to the Pension funding issue as well as increasing the Basic Education subsidy to a 50% level provided by the State. In addition, doing everything we can to balance the needs of all the stakeholders of the District in a fiscally responsible manner.

What is your goal for what the school district will look like in 5 years? How will you achieve that?

With the strong possibility of being debt free within five years, I would look at the unique opportunities that removing eight million dollars off our expenses may create.  Possible tax cuts, building up of our Capital Reserve account for future expenses, a Pre-K program, expansion of existing programs to fully meet the needs of all learners are all exciting possibilities. I see individual grade levels disappearing as more and more learners are met at their own level, pace and style of learning. This can all be achieved by the Board working together with the Superintendent to continue to challenge and change the educational model into the future, while providing an educational experience that fully prepares our students for their future.

Gregg Young

Age: 48
Occupation: IT Manager
Education: Master's degree
School district/municipal experience: n/a

Why are you running?

When people ask me “Why are you running for school board,” I tell them I think it is the right thing to do. My children have been attending Central schools since kindergarten, and we have been very happy with the education the district has provided. I do not have an agenda of items that I want/need to resolve. I want to to be part of the process and provide support to allow Central to continue be a great school district. I also understand the school district is made up of three segments: students, teachers and community. There has to be a balance between the three, comprises and difficult decisions will need to be made.

What is the biggest issue facing the district, and how would you address it?

It is hard to say there is one issue that is in most need.  I would answer the question by saying keeping the Central School district on its current track and balancing the budget is the most important.  But that is very "canned" answer.

While not the most important topic facing the district but something important to me is bullying.  Bullying is much different now than I was in school, back then it was getting pushed down on the school yard.  Social media and electronic devices have escalated the effects of bullying. I would work with the various schools to develop a program that would be age appropriate.  I think too often the message is not heard, especially in the older grades.

What is your goal for what the school district will look like in 5 years? How will you achieve that?

I do not have any issues with the education that is currently being provided at Central York School District.  My goal is to keep it on the current track. Maybe some some tweaks such as developing programs to allow the faster learners to learn at their pace, especially in the middle grades.  Regardless of the topic, I understand there are multiple opinions and I am 1 of 9 directors. I am willing to contribute to ideas, listen to others and work as a team to resolve issues presented to the school board.