Candidate Questionnaire: Brenda G. Hackett

Your Name: Brenda G. Hackett

Running For (and which year will the term end?): Methacton School Director -- 2017

Party Affiliation: Republican

Positions Held Previously (both in and out of politics):

Volunteer positions:

Founder, President and Board Member:

-Parents and Friends of Exceptional Children of Radnor Township

-Westwyn Civic Association

-Voice of the Faithful of Wayne, PA

-Friends of Little Flower, Inc.

Board Member:

-Philadelphia Young Playwrights

-Delaware Valley Council of Agencies

-Advisory Board to the President, Little Flower Catholic High School for Girl

Secretary/Treasurer:

-Wayne Business Association

Member:

-Government Affairs Council, Main Line Chamber of Commerce;

Vice Chair:

-Parish Pastoral Council, St. Katharine of Siena, Wayne, PA

Employed Positions:

Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer:

-Metanexus Institute – 2000’s

Deputy Director:

-Children’s Literacy Initiative 1990’s to 2000’s

Controller:

-Opportunities Industrialization Center 1980’s to 1990’s

-Theodore Presser Company 1970’s to 1980’s

Why are you running for office:  To contribute to the success of the Methacton School District.  My financial management background, achieving success for several non-profit organizations, combined with my great interest in the importance of providing effective education, position me as an ideal candidate for School Board membership.  I have no conflicts of interest and no obligation to any special interests.

What do you think are the biggest issues you would face in office:  

1)  Balancing the challenges of mandates handed down to the district without the needed resources being handed down;

2) Addressing the opportunities and challenges of technological development;

3) Assuring that educational needs are met while keeping tax increases as minimal as possible;

4) Working with legislators to pass laws that ameliorate the financial burden on school districts.

If elected, what would you aim to accomplish:

1)  Balanced budget while minimizing taxes;

2) Greater community involvement in the school district;

3) Maintaining and advancing the educational achievements of the district;

4) Enlightened further use of technology, both educationally and administratively.

What else would you like residents to know about you?  Education has been a top priority in my life, whether it’s been for my children, grandchildren, children who lack necessities, children who face other challenges, all children.  So, books have always been a significant part of my family’s life, and in books we learn about things we would never have the opportunity to see.  In my work life, I have spent many years helping non-profits find ways to be financially responsible, accomplishing their goals while spending less money.  My philosophy has been to use the mindset of my depression-era parents to find ways to do more and to look for new ways to find resources.  I like to solve problems when they appear and since I am retired I now have time to work extensively in the education area that I love so much.