I am a retired educator with 34 years experience in the classroom teaching grades 3 through 7. I know how kids learn and what they need to succeed. I recognize when something is just “the newest new thing” and when it has real pedagogical value. I’ve been a participant in district, state and national curriculum writing projects and have presented topics in curriculum development, assessment and innovative teaching strategies for elementary through college educators. I have experience in policy writing for teacher preparation and evaluation, long range planning, and contract negotiations. As a teacher representative, I have first-hand knowledge of the work of the school board, school law and regulations, budgets, finances, program, and contracts. I know schools … and I know that we need engaged, forward thinking members on the School Board in these tight economic times if we are to continue to provide the quality education the Manheim Township parents, students, and business community have come to expect.

My priorities as a School Board Director are the following:

Maintain a full and diverse program of both academic and extra-curricular opportunities
To educate means more than providing facts and information in a prescribed order. To educate is to develop the whole person in such a way as to allow that person to create and innovate based on that knowledge base. Our schools must teach every child, according to his learning style, ability, and with respect to his educational goals.
The more we teach to the test, the less we teach to the child.

Demonstrate fiscal responsibility but maintain the excellent reputation of Manheim Township Schools
Our tax payers deserve more than “no tax/no spend” policy makers on the school board. We need engaged representatives who listen and share honestly with community members so that consensus can be reached among all stakeholders on the truly tough decisions.

There will continue to be difficult decisions to make regarding what we can provide within the limits of our resources. I want those tough choices to be made by people who know how their decisions will impact learning and advancement, not just the bottom line.

Restore parent and community confidence
I commend the present Board for the actions they have taken to enhance transparency in their deliberations and decision making. We need members on the Board who will listen, learn, and speak up if we are to be successful as an open and inclusive representative body. I believe a balance of backgrounds, points of view, and experience that represent the whole community are essential to that type of leadership.

Respect and affirm the contributions of the professional, paraprofessional and support staff as participants in the welfare of the school district.
Our buildings are filled with teachers and para professionals, administrators, staff, and volunteers who are there because they “get” kids and believe in the power of public education. They deserve our respect and our support.

We employ a staff of educators but we don’t always listen to them. I want to be sure that the people who work in our buildings every day and know the possibilities of a proper learning environment are heard as we move forward with the design of the Middle School or any other future projects that impact our kids and their classrooms.

I am happy to discuss my positions with you and would be pleased to serve you as a School Board Director.

JoAnn B. Hentz
jbhentz@comcast.net
717.575.6562