A Message from Randy

Orchard Park in Richland Township has been our home for the last 16 years. We have three children in PRSD: one in 10th grade, one in 6th grade, and one in 4th grade.

When we moved into our current home, the local school district was one of the main factors in our decision — the second factor being whether we could afford the house.  (The third factor was whether or not we would have to cross a bridge to get to work!)  At the time, PRSD was ranked pretty high, and the school district size was in a sweet spot — not too small, not too large. PRSD was big enough to offer more opportunities and support to students, but not so big that students would get lost in the background.

For a while now, I've been feeling frustrated by the chaos and division in our local community and across the country. A friend suggested that I try to get involved, to turn my frustration into action toward making things better. I started by attending or watching a few PRSD school board meetings. I was appalled by what I saw. The dysfunction, disrespect, and disregard for norms was shocking. Watching as so many community members, parents, students, and staff attempted to communicate with the board, I could plainly see that the current board majority did not, and does not, feel the need to be responsive to anyone, including people who voted for them. The obvious next step was more action — to change the direction of the board by running for a seat at the table.

I am a Software Engineer by day, crime-fighter by night.  I spend much of my time working with multiple stakeholders, trying to accurately define problems, and then develop solutions that address as many concerns as possible. Before we can develop a solution, we have to collect as much information as we can about the problem, so that we can be certain that we are addressing the correct problem. Those who know me know that I'm quiet; I'll never be the loudest voice in the room. That's because I'm a listener. I take in information and process it.
My ability to process and analyze situations and information makes me good at my job and helps me to be a better parent, spouse and friend. I think we can all agree that me need more listening, analysis, and real problem-solving on the board, and I will bring that.

As a PRSD school board member, I would want to represent all of the members of the community.  I would try to be as approachable as possible, seeking input and feedback from everyone in the community.  I would strive to provide a voice for the students, parents, teachers, staff, and other community members.  Transparency and accountability are important, so responses to community queries and emails would be taken seriously, including providing some reasoning for decisions.

One final note: I am really concerned right now by the uncertainty around the state and future of the US Department of Education.  I am worried that the instability of the current PRSD board majority leaves PRSD in a vulnerable position, with no ability to work with the necessary stakeholders to deal with the potential issues.  I believe this just increases the importance of changing the make-up of the PRSD school board, to add the needed analytical and problem-solving skills to help PRSD through these troubling times.