Richard Kirsch Seeks Baldwin-Whitehall School Board Votes

ELECTION RESULTS HERE: http://patch.com/A-426t.

Thirteen candidates are vying for four seats on the Baldwin-Whitehall School Board during May 21's primary election, including Richard J. Kirsch.

Name on Ballot: Richard J. Kirsch

Age on May 21: 56 years old

Incumbent? Yes or No?: No.

Are You Cross-Filed as a Republican and a Democrat?: Yes.

Primary Political Party: Democrats

Occupation: Service Executive, AT&T

Municipality of Residence: Whitehall Borough

Work History/Previous Political History: "25 years in problem-solving roles."

Post-Secondary (College, Trade School, et al.) Education History: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from West Virginia University; Master of Business Administration from Waynesburg University

Why Do You Want a Spot on the Baldwin-Whitehall School Board?: "We must ensure all students in the district have all the resources available to them to be prepared for whatever path they choose after leaving our schools. This includes both undergraduate work and the trades. In today's challenging economy and the economic pressures school districts will face in the future, we must be innovative in sources of funding and diligent with our expenditures. It is imperative to ensure we continue to provide the arts and sciences along with a strong curriculum that will be needed to compete in today's ever-changing world. This also includes the physical health of our students by continued support of physical education and sports programs."

What Are the Two or Three Issues Facing the Baldwin-Whitehall School District That You Care the Most About and Plan to Address?: "Soaring pension costs, and how will we deal with/plan for them in the future?: Even with the governor proposing to change the system, it still has high legacy costs that are underfunded. We can expect increased contribution costs every year for quite a while.

"AYP (adequate yearly progress): Dealing with unfunded mandates that have failed in the last decade and the challenges of the new Keystone Exams.

"Taxes: Enough is enough. Most people I have spoken too are even more confused with the recent reassessments. We need to keep them in line."

Are You Married? Do You Have Children? If So, How Many?: "Yes, 30 years to Cyndi; two successful adult children that both graduated from Baldwin High School."

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