Spackman Seeks Reelection In West Chester School Board's Region 3

Pennsylvania's Primary Election is May 18. Randell Spackman seeks reelection to the West Chester Area School District Board of Directors in Region 3, reminding voters of the consistently high rankings district schools have received during his tenure.

He explained why he is running for election.

Randell H. Spackman

Age: 50

Position Sought: School Director, West Chester Area School District, Region 3

Party Affiliation: Republican

Family: Wife Kim with five children; four girls, Morgan, Rebecca, Darby, and Madison, and the youngest son Jude.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: My wife Kim works for the Department of Health of the state of Pennsylvania.

Education: Graduate of the University of Delaware.

Occupation: Owns Thornbury Services and Farm CSA for over 25 years; building and restoring older homes, growing local produce, and hosting events about the Battle of Brandywine.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: Member of Thornbury Township Historic Preservation Committee and the WCASD school board for four years.

Why are you seeking elective office?: I have been involved with the WCASD for over 20 years with my children and understand this complex organization. My experience as a board member of multiple local nonprofits and private schools has helped me learn how to find unique solutions to problems. I come into a situation with an open mind and listen to the parties involved to make the best decision. I have two alumnae children and with a current tenth-, fifth- and second-grader, I want WCASD to continue its success on the national level.

The single most pressing issue facing our district is: The are several issues facing the WCASD:
Building programs and classes that support our student population and provide an exaptational level of services. During these hard times of COVID-19, we must continue to move forward on programs to regain any learning loss. This summer, we have extended summer programs for students that need extra support — at no cost to taxpayers.
Planning for in-person fall learning with improved safety strategies and programs. With the vaccine becoming more available and to our younger students, this will make a safe place for children to learn and flourish.
These program costs must be performed as not to affect our tax base and keep our lowest tax rate in Chester County. This is shown by our triple-A bond ratings for our fiscal practices. WCASD is one of only 34 districts rated A+ and one of only six districts with a AAA bond rating out of 500 in the state. WCASD is nationally known for its quality of education and this will continue to make it a desirable place to live.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: There are big differences between myself and other new candidates. I have the experience of a current board member. My background in education will help me get the programs we need to achieve great things. I work well with other board members and have the respect of the administration, staff, parents, and community. They know I work hard to find common ground and understand the needs of the 12,000 students, 7,500 families, and taxpayers. This respect lets me get things done and I have proven this in the years I have provided on this and other local boards.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: My campaign is based on what I have begun and will continue to perform. We must continue the rankings and high standards of the WCASD that make it a desirable community to live.
Fiscal responsibly must be a key part of any projects and plans moving forward. This long-term vision must plan for costs in the future to not impact our quality of life.
With this world of COVID-19, we must provide targeted education, in-person or remote depending on the needs of the individual, improve practices for in-person learning to maintain a safe consistent path forward. (We must) heal from the negative effects of the last year and work together with respect and support as a community. Plans for the future of the district must be considered in hiring and advancement for succession planning for staff and administration.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: In my term, as a school board member, I have had the honor to help create these amazing facts:
Our three WCASD high schools being consistently ranked among the top public schools in the nation according to U.S. News & World Reports, Newsweek, and Niche. Niche rating has improved from 38th to 27th out of 500 districts statewide over the last year.
Quality from the beginning for our students by Implementing Full Day Kindergarten, Launched Cyber Academy, and Expanded Blended Enrollment Classes which has increased WCASD's market share of eligible students from 73 percent (2013) to 78 percent (2020), the highest in the district's history. This saved 2.3 million dollars with the full-day kindergarten by bringing students back into the district.
Maintaining the lowest tax rates in Chester County while renovating schools and building our 11th elementary school.
Retaining the district's AAA bond rating. WCASD is one of only 34 districts rated A+ and one of only six districts with a AAA bond rating out of 500 in the state. This results in cheaper borrowing costs and stronger property values.
Assisting our most vulnerable populations during the pandemic, the district has provided over 300,000 meals, and 170 hotspot internet devices were delivered and set up to families without access. Increased support for risk students and families.

The best advice ever shared with me was: The best advice I ever got was to "walk in another person's shoes for a day." You see life differently. Many of our own views are our perspective. We must understand others and their views.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: I am an avid local historian on the Battle of Brandywine and work hard to preserve open space. As the president of the Chadds Ford Historical Society, I see the value of our history and education to tell the stories of our past.
My five children and I love to go for adventures on our family farm and invite the community for tours and see the animals. I volunteer on serval committees and have made wonderful friends that understand my goals are not about a "party" for school board, but the students and community. This is where we all should have common ground and goals. Strong schools make strong communities.

Randell H. Spackman's campaign page may be viewed here.