Letter in Support of Armstrong, Lenthall, Solomon & Stern

The following was submitted to Radnor Patch for publication by four Democratic members of the Radnor School Board.

For the past two years, the Radnor School Board has been addressing critical issues that impact the quality of our schools.  Thoughtful discussion with a  consensus-building approach helps to keep the Radnor schools strong, vibrant and successful.  

Since being seated in 2011, this Board has kept our schools competitive and on the cutting edge of 21st century curriculum, while continuing to focus on the safety and security of our students.  The majority members of this Board have struck a balance between implementation of initiatives that promote achievement for all students, and respect for property owners who make that achievement possible.     

Key to this success has been cooperation as a team; maximizing individual strengths for the good of the whole, and working together to reach consensus on decisions that directly benefit the future of our schools.  

Collaborative - This Board has encouraged unprecedented discussion between administrators, teachers, staff, parents and the community to:
-appoint Dr. Michael Kelly as Superintendent to guide our District moving forward;
-successfully negotiate five collective bargaining contracts;
-improve reporting and understanding of financial and curricular objectives; -provide additional opportunities for public participation in meetings.  

Responsive - From technology to staffing, thoughtful assessment of not only the immediate financial impact of new initiatives, but also the long-term impact, allows for maximized return on investment while not sacrificing student opportunity.  This has led to:
-new technology for students K-12, specifically the iPad program at RHS; -meaningful professional development for our teachers to raise the level of instruction offered to all students;
-a full evaluation of mental and behavioral health and guidance services across the district;
-the addition of an assistant principal to serve our largest elementary school.   

Visionary - A plan to implement a District-wide full day kindergarten program has led to the most meaningful evaluation of our District and community in the past 10 years including: 
-a full scale demographic study underway to help inform decisions moving forward;
-an architect’s study to clearly understand existing and long-term facility concerns at our elementary schools.     

Success in these endeavors requires a team effort.  Responsibilities like selection of a new Superintendent require a positive, professional, civil working relationship.   

This team will be best served by retaining incumbents Rob Armstrong and Lydia Solomon.  Their expertise and contributions as collaborating members of this board have proven invaluable to the achievements of the past two years.  Rounding out the team would be candidates Susan Stern and Bruce Lenthall, both of whom not only have their fingers on the pulse of the community, but also possess the educational and financial experience needed to hit the ground running as effective school board members. Thank you for your consideration.  It is a privilege and honor to serve as your elected school board members.  

Respectfully,

Lisa Borowski, Chair of Policy Committee and Co-Chair of Gov’t Relations Committee Newtown Square         

Kimm Doherty, Board Vice President & Chair of Curriculum Committee Radnor             

Brucie Rapoport, immediate past Board President Wayne  

Eric Zajac, Board President, Chair of Finance Committee Villanova