Candidate Questionnaire: Kimm Doherty

Name: Kimm Doherty                       

Party affiliation: Democrat

Previous political experience (elective and appointed positions): None. I am a first-time candidate who became engaged as a parent and taxpayer. I have been attending RTSD Curriculum Committee meetings regularly for 4-5 years.

Education: M.A. in Educational Psychology and B.A., cum laude, in Elementary Education

Career: I taught for ten years in public schools in Lower Merion, PA and Webster Groves, MO. I’ve worked at The Franklin Institute on a grant from the National Science Foundation to create effective hands-on science units (K-6) and to provide professional development enabling teachers to effectively implement the units. Recently, I have been working as an educational consultant providing teacher in-service training and program evaluation services to both public and private schools.

What are the most critical issues in the school district and how would you address them?

Since the passage of Act 1 in 2006, which limits school tax increases, school boards have needed to tighten their belts significantly. We must commit to work together and continue to manage our resources carefully being respectful of Act 1’s parameters and to develop alternative revenue streams beyond local property taxes.

We must also learn to multi-task as a Board. Budgeting has in many ways eclipsed vision. The Board needs to help the District grow again by working with administrators to set a visionary course, creating realistic goals, and keeping our eye on excellence. Excellence demands moving beyond the status quo, acknowledging areas of relative need, and planning for growth. Exceptional schools attract new families to our community, which keeps Radnor thriving.

What skills do you have that you think would be an asset to the board?

My Master’s in Educational Psychology reflects my interest and expertise in curriculum. Educational psychology examines the intersection between curriculum and student motivation. I believe the Board has been lacking expertise in curriculum and instruction. Understanding the work of schools from the inside helps a Board member ask better questions and make more informed decisions regarding new initiatives. While financial expertise is essential for a strong Board, insight into the effectiveness of the programs and initiatives being funded helps to ensure the money is spent where it can best help students.

What do you think the school district is doing right and what does it need to improve? How would you improve it? Everyone recognizes that Radnor is an award-winning school district. We have bright students, talented teachers, and involved parents – a trifecta of excellence. We are doing well in many ways. At the same time, we need to update our curriculum and accompanying technology to reflect the reality and demands of the 21st century. Curricular change has been slow, yet the demands of a 21st century economy evolve swiftly. The time has come to align and renew Radnor’s K-12 curriculum. I would support our administrators in prioritizing curricular needs, strategically planning for the implementation of priorities via regular and alternative funding sources, and allocate appropriate professional development to ensure success.

Curriculum in the schools has had to be altered because of budgetary reasons over the past few years. What do you think the shape of the “Radnor education” is right now and how would you improve it? Actually, most of the cuts have been to support services – aides, instructional support teachers, teachers of the gifted, the social worker, etc. The consequences of those cuts need to be evaluated to determine whether or not students are being negatively affected.  Support services do not impact curriculum directly. Rather, they help students “fit” with the curriculum and in their classes. When all students feel that they “fit” in their learning environment, the school as a whole is a more vibrant place.

Do you support implementing full day kindergarten? If so, what would you do to make that happen? Because full day kindergarten benefits students and working families, I favor it and would be open to a discussion of the costs, benefits and tradeoffs associated with implementing a full day program for kindergarteners.

How would you represent the interest of tax payers who do not have children in the school district? There is a strong, positive connection between the quality of the schools in a community and property values. While Act 1 has limited the ability to raise taxes to fund schools, it has not limited the role of school boards to choose great programs and great teachers for our students. We need a school board willing to balance the current economic constraints with exceptional programming for all learners. All taxpayers benefit from strong schools via high property values as well as a healthy community. Overwhelmingly, the voters I’ve met while traveling around Radnor are keenly aware that their community benefits, their property values rise, and their children succeed through strong schools. Our schools, our community, our future.

Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us.

My husband and I have vacationed in all 50 states. Our children have joined us in 49 of 50. We have had fun from sea to shining sea!