"Why I'm Running" -by Chris Boardman

     Running for Methacton School Board Director was not something I had consciously planned to do at this time, but after learning about the many issues that face our school system and our community, I realized that I had strong interest in these matters.   After giving this decision much thought, I realized that  I am at a point in my life where  I understand the importance of the board, both to the school system itself and the community at large, and I want to make a difference. 

     By now you have probably read what Michael, Andrea and Kim wrote about why they are running for Methacton School Board Director and you’re able to see why it was an easy decision for me to join forces with them to form the C.A.R.E. team.  For those of you who have read my bio, you may have noticed that issues concerning children and families have been the focus of my adult life, both professionally and personally.  I see being a school board director as an extension of this commitment. As a school board director, I would be able to help improve children’s education, making them more excited and confident as they go to college or start their careers, transitioning into young adulthood with quality values that will inspire those around them.

     Methacton School District is one of the largest employers in our community.  The fiscal health of the school system and the decisions it makes affect us all.   I would like to work to improve the board’s relationship with both Lower Providence and Worcester township residents so that we can work together instead of having long, drawn out, expensive legal battles over things such as lights and digital signs. Given that our board is in a leadership role in our school district and community, I think it’s time that the composition of the board incorporated new membership to reflect diversity of thought and experience, improved transparency and communication with the community,  careful study of relevant issues, and consideration of a broad range of solutions to a variety of problems .   Calling out a financial debt crisis in a letter to an editor is not being a leader; it’s simply looking for excuses.  A leader would approach that communication describing the school debt as a challenge and also provide solutions in the same communication. The other 499 Pennsylvania school districts have to deal with the same challenges including financial limitations, growing employee expenses, etc.   The current Methacton School Board has chosen to take an approach to these challenges that have created significant ill will with the community…that needs to change.

     When my wife and I bought our first home in Worcester Township 17 years ago, we specifically sought out Methacton School District as the ideal location to start and raise our family.  We plan to remain residents of this community for the rest of our lives and are committed to making positive contributions in whatever ways possible.  Please consider voting for me and my outstanding C.A.R.E. team running mates in the upcoming primary in May as well as in the general election in November.  Your votes for the school board director position will have a significant impact on our community for years to come, and I would very much like to be a part of positive change.