Jack Fisher

Why are you running for school board?

I am seeking re-election to lead our schools in a positive academic direction. The students we educate must have a sound foundation of critical thinking and analytical reasoning skills.

What are the top three issues facing the school district today and how do you plan to address them?

The board’s top priority is to hire and train top-level educators and staff. We have outstanding regular education and special education administrators and teachers. We have IA’s who go way beyond the basics to reach students. We have coaches and their staffs that motivate and inspire. We have janitors and custodians who take great pride in our facilities. We have police officers ready to step into any crisis to protect. As a board member I will have the backs of these people first and foremost.

The second priority is to continue to maintain a fiduciary responsibility over our school district. We must continue to build sound budgeting to maintain programs and meet short-term goals and obligations.

We must build capital reserves for the three- to five-year planning cycles: about $10 million every cycle. Similarly, we must build our pension reserves for the tremendous burden on the horizon: about $143 million over the next 10 to 12 years. Our current funding of that debt is woefully inadequate.

The third priority is to work hand-in-hand with the new superintendent to achieve his stated goal of making DV the number one school in Pennsylvania.

What sets you apart from your challengers?

I am set apart from my challengers by my experience on the board and experience in life. I have been elected five times, and with 20 years of experience, my knowledge of the issues facing public education is deep and wide. My lifelong learning of government finance is unmatched by any of my challengers. I am a CPA and CFP with 40 years of experience.

Feel free to add information about your background and qualifications.

My prospective on education, indeed life itself, is unique as a grandfather of four, grades kindergarten to fifth grade. Sadly, they do not live in the DV area. Their zest for life, learning, playing, and talking about a universe of topics brings joy to me.