There are 10 candidates for the office of school board director. This is a four-year term. Voters are asked to choose four.

Dem./Rep.: Michael Baab

Dem./Rep.: Paul Dorney

Dem./Rep.: Christopher Freas

Dem./Rep.: Audrey Frick

Dem./Rep.: George J. Gatanis

Dem./Rep.: Rebecca A. Glenister

Dem./Rep.: Joseph D. Gnall

Dem./Rep.: Samantha X Dorney Hlavinka

Dem./Rep.: Laura McKelvey

Dem./Rep.: Mary Ziegler

There are three candidates for the office of school board director. This is a two-year term. Voters are asked to choose two.

Dem./Rep.: Christopher Freas

Dem./Rep.: David G. Hadinger

Dem./Rep.: Laura McKelvey

Issue

The candidates for school board director were asked to respond to the following question in 100 words or less: Why did you decide to run for office?

Michael Baab

As a resident of Salisbury for the past 26 years and currently having two children in the school system, I have always been actively involved in the community. I’ve gotten to know many community members and have made lifelong friends along the way. From coaching my son in baseball for many years to now watching him play varsity football and track and currently coaching my daughter’s softball team many meaningful relationships have been made.

I believe it should be a requirement in order to serve on the board you need to have a child currently enrolled in the school system.

Paul Dorney

We need to do better for our children and our citizens in these areas: •Western Salisbury Elementary building. We need a neighborhood elementary school, if it is a new building, remodel, renovate or an addition to SMS. We need to address this. •Academic improvement and 21st Century Stem curriculum, academic opportunities, facilities improvement, technology innovation in areas of robotics, engineering, makerspace, FABLAB, architecture, science courses. •Salisbury School District ranking. We are not competitive to neighboring districts. We need to provide the best possible education and be a top performing district. •Improve educational leadership and maintain fiscal responsibility.

Christopher Freas

I’m running because my skill set is needed on this school board. As a project manager I focus on planning, fiscal responsibility and communication. Emphasis here will help the district navigate short-term challenges, while also preparing for the long-term decisions that will shape the district for the next 30 years. With two young boys, I am invested in the continued success of the district. Also, I will be an advocate for inclusion and transparency to ensure there is an open dialogue with all voices within the Salisbury community.

Audrey Frick

I think my experience teaching in an elementary school is an asset in helping to decide when and how to get the Salisbury students back to face-to-face learning in the classroom. I think I can continue to report from the place of an elementary school teacher on moving forward as we learn to live with COVID protocols. After I lost the vote for the closure of Western Salisbury Elementary a year ago, I want to ensure the promises made to taxpayers and parents are kept as we work toward a new vision for our school campus on the Devonshire Road property.

George J. Gatanis

I joined the board in 2003 and I decided to run again because my board experience has been a benefit and would be moving forward. My experience in mechanical/electrical engineering has benefited the district and would for the upcoming capital building program. I concentrate on a quality education for students at a cost that’s fair to our taxpayers. I make difficult decisions in order to provide a fair and equitable education to our students. I was also on the board which initiated computer distribution to every student and full day kindergarten.

Rebecca A. Glenister

I view public education as the cornerstone of our democracy and the critical foundation for an informed electorate. As a board member I would continue to ensure that each Salisbury student is appropriately challenged and supported. My position on the school board is a way for me to give back to our community in the way I best know how. I believe that my experience as a parent, an advocate for my children, an informed citizen, a textbook editor and a vocal proponent of public education contributes a valuable perspective to the board.

Joseph D. Gnall

I am running for re-election because there is still work to be done in the Salisbury School District. I am a parent of two children in the district and I have seen amazing things by both our teachers and students. With that said there are still ways for our district to grow and improve. Our infrastructure and fiscal stability are two critical areas we need to focus on to ensure we offer the best possible learning environment for our students. With that said, I am wholeheartedly invested in ensuring this happens for all members of our Salisbury community.

Samantha X Dorney Hlavinka

As an educator and parent, I am deeply saddened by the state Salisbury Township School District has fallen into. It was once one of the premier districts in the area. Academic programs are lacking in quality, variety and rigor. Academic performance has been on a downward trend for over a decade; this is unacceptable. The current board is fundamentally failing our community, teachers and most of all our students. Innovation and collaboration are desperately needed to bring forth a renaissance in our schools. This renaissance must be accomplished in a manner that stresses school safety, student well-being, fiscal responsibility, open communication and respect for community stakeholders.

Laura McKelvey

I believe it is important for parents of current students to be actively involved in decision making and note that our demographic is underrepresented on the board. I look to be a voice for students with special needs, to improve communication between the board and the teachers and community and increase transparency. Our district is struggling financially and there is a path forward but board members must be proactive in pursuing a thorough understanding of our resources and needs, a task I have already begun, and ensure that contingencies are accounted for before big decisions are made.

Mary Ziegler

I want to continue to serve and move toward completion of long-range plans we have started. The financial challenges and the pandemic issues have been difficult. I have served on this board for 16 years. These children are our investment for the future. I am passionate about the inclusion of all students to receive a great public education at Salisbury. I currently serve as the CLIU #21 Board president. I have served as a liaison for Salisbury for the past 15 years. I would like to see the old WSE building have the necessary renovations and open again in some capacity.

David G. Hadinger

Efforts to reach Hadinger were unsuccessful.