LETTER: Stanton and Park Needed to Improve Wissahickon School District

To the Editor:
There has been some criticism of the current Wissahickon School Board of Directors fueled by ex-directors and a retiring director. Their ire appears to be focused on the removal of two incumbent directors,  Dick Stanton and  Young Park. Disagreement with these critics by these incumbents is reported as bullying.  These critics cite lack of leadership and claim that voting for Dick Stanton and Young Park will 'adversely impact our students, property owners and community.' Ironically, the behavior they attribute to Park and Stanton is actually their own.  One need look no further than the last teachers' contract vote to see that Park and Stanton fought the good fight to keep the public informed, while Barb Moyer and Pat Latimer successfully fought to keep the public in the dark, a practice they employed quite often in their four years of running this board.
Let's look at where the current board under the leadership of Young Park, Dick Stanton  and the administration have led this district.  Wissahickon has the lowest millage rate for property taxes in Montgomery County and yet Wissahickon High School is rated as one of the best schools in the county, in the state, and in the country. The District has a AAA bond rating because it is fiscally sound. For most of our residents the school tax is the second largest tax they pay. This board has managed to avoid a tax increase in six of the last eight years. Would that explain why other school districts are anxious to recruit our administrators?
In short, WSD is a really great learning center with low taxes. There are several reasons for that. Dick Stanton and Young Park are two of them. Why would we want to change any of this?   
Young Park is a real fiscal conservative and has been the most consistent leader to avoid tax increases. His leadership has been a huge factor in keeping your taxes low and at the same time providing a good education for all WSD students.
Dick Stanton has serious experience in information technology and construction.  He has been the prime leader to upgrade WSD technology to a level considered one of the best in the country. His construction experience is invaluable to the board as they consider repairs and building. He has been very responsive to residents who have voiced their opinions regarding District matters. 
We need to keep Dick Stanton and Young Park on the school board to continue to operate and improve one of the best school districts in the country.
 
Barbara Ullery
Director
Wissahickon School Board