Letter to the Editor: From Thankless to Thank You

When I first thought about running for the school board, the one word always mentioned to me in return was "thankless"–that being a member of the school board was a thankless job.

After two plus years on the board understanding and living the commitment, I have come to find the experience very rewarding. I have met a whole lot of people from political leaders, board members, teachers and administrators,
committed to the future of this community: it’s youth.

When difficult times swept this country in late 2008, the district was committed to the renovation and addition project which meant this debt service had to be absorbed into the budget at the worst possible time in generations.

Yet, virtually no one ever complained to me in a public meeting or in private. What I did hear was pride in this community for the new high school and administrative offices, which became possible after a million dollar state grant and lower than expected bids in the high school renovation project. There was no doubt that something had to be done to these buildings and new construction was not economically feasible.

The school district has also made a strong commitment to helping to preserve the 120 programs available to the community. Most of the other district buildings have new roofs and wired to meet the technology demands of tomorrow along with the security and safety of card access entry to all doors.

Our PTOs are just an amazing arm of the district, literally raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for such items like SMART Boards, playgrounds, gym floors and many other improvements to the district and its students. We know we have our work cut out in other aspects of our business and will continue to attack these issues as well.

As the panels on the outside of high school go up and useless parts of the community center come down this summer bringing these projects to a conclusion, I would like to thank this community for their support and understanding under the most difficult of times. It is that spirit that makes this community thrive.

As the baby boomers start to join the greatest generation in retirement, we know you are out there and are committed to keeping your taxes low while striving to provide the best education possible for all students in a safe, clean, modern and productive environment.

Thank you Marple and Newtown Townships,

John McDevitt

School Director

Facilities and Transportation Chair

Marple Newtown School District