Dr. Ziad Munson has announced his candidacy for the East Penn School Board.

"I am running for school board because I believe we need and our community deserves excellent, innovative schools that reflect our changing world. Great schools are the cornerstone of our community's future," Munson said.

"The biggest question facing public education today is how to meet this need in difficult economic times. As taxpayers, we are rightfully concerned about fiscal responsibility, cutting waste at our schools, reforming the education bureaucracy and getting the best overall value for our tax dollars."

Munson said his wife's 2010 job loss due to the recession and his mother-in-law's struggles on a fixed income made the economic realities we face personal.

"I believe I have the qualifications to successfully meet this tough challenge."

Munson received his bachelor's degree from the University of Chicago and his Ph.D from Harvard University. He is currently on the faculty at Lehigh University.

"My educational and professional experiences have made me an adept problem solver, skilled data analyst and trusted collaborator."

Munson said he cares deeply about our community and its future.

"My wife Amy and I have lived in the district for 10 years, first in Lower Macungie Township and now in Emmaus. In that time I have served as trustee of the Emmaus Public Library, a soccer coach in the Lower Macungie Youth Association and a PTO member and school crossing guard.

"Our daughter Willow attends Lower Macungie Middle School and our son Elliot attends Lincoln Elementary."

Munson said he is a product of public education.

"I know that many of the opportunities I've had in my life were the result of excellent public schools. If we want these same kind of opportunities to be available to our children, we need well-informed, pragmatic, and dedicated school board members who can be strong advocates for public education.

"I therefore ask for your support of my candidacy for school board."

For more information, visit www.munson4eastpenn.org.