Candidate Questionnaire: Martin Heldring

Radnor Patch has reached out to local candidates to find out more about them. Here is information from Martin Heldring.

Name: E. Martin Heldring

Running For: Radnor School Board

Party Affiliation: Republican

Positions Held Previously: Radnor Township Ethics Committee

Why are you running for office: There is much work to be done in Radnor. My focus would be on the following:

·      Academic growth for all students, starting with a documented, challenging, and engaging curriculum with a renewed emphasis on STEM, grammar and writing.

·      Disciplined, data-driven decision making governed by a strategic and operating plan.

·      Right-sized, transparent finances. No more over-taxation, unplanned surpluses, and opaque financial reporting.

·      A broader conversation regarding student health and safety, including guidance counseling and student substance use in addition to facilities concerns.

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

There are many issues but I would highlight two:

·      First, the lack of a written curriculum, allowing for example students to read the same book more than once, is just not acceptable. Putting one in place would be an early priority.

·      Second, we desperately need a solid, integrated strategic and operating plan from which we can drive program, facilities, spending, and other decisions.  The lack of a plan is one of the key reason for the many years of unplanned surpluses in Radnor, now totaling $20,000,000 in the last five years.

If elected, what would you aim to accomplish:

If elected, I would like to work in particular with Dave Falcone, Jim Link and Susan Michaelson on the following:

1)    Ensure that 100% of our curriculum is documented, reviewed, and updated to meet the needs of our students,

2)    Produce a living, breathing strategic and operating plan by which the district can be managed now and into the future,

3)    Fully revamp district financial reporting so that it is transparent, easy to understand, and provides the basis for solid board and administrative decision-making.  Along with this, right-size taxation levels to meet district needs without continuing to unduly burden today’s taxpayers, and

4)    Introduce a broad conversation about issues affecting our students’ physical and emotional safety, putting hard questions on the table, and seeking coordinated solutions.  

Website/other information to promote: www.RadnorExpectMore.com