Open Letter to South Middleton Township Residents

[Mike Berk]

An Open Letter to the Residents of South Middleton Township
from Michael Berk, Candidate for School Director

Dear Fellow Township Residents:

During the past few months I have been campaigning door-to-door in an attempt to meet as many residents as possible. Of course, the weather and other commitments make it nearly impossible to see everyone. That is why I am publishing this open letter to ask your support on Tuesday, May 17.

I am running for the school board because I care deeply about the education our children receive. As a school board director, I would do my best to preserve the first-class educational program we offer our students while always being mindful of the burden placed on taxpayers.

I believe the time has arrived for our school board to become more active and lead the community in the fight for fairer state funding and relief from unnecessary state mandates. Insufficient financial support from the state for our basic education and special education programs places an ever increasing burden on taxpayers. The continuing drop in state funding will ultimately hurt our ability to provide the programs our students need to succeed.

I have proposed the creation of a Board Legislative Committee to focus on legislative issues affecting education. The school funding issue would be the initial focus of the committee’s efforts. Community members would be invited to participate on this committee which would raise awareness in the community on this crisis and develop a strategy for building stronger relationships with our elected officials and with surrounding school districts also suffering under the current funding formula.

This will not be a quick or easy effort to undertake. It will take time, persistence and commitment from our school board and community. By working together in our township, and in cooperation with other school districts and statewide groups, we can raise awareness and apply the pressure needed to bring about change. Our children and our township simply can’t afford to wait any longer. Now is the time to start!

School funding has been a central issue for my campaign because fair and equitable funding for our schools will make it possible for our children to receive a first-class education while providing much needed tax relief for our residents

There are additional issues of concern to me including improved communications with the public and township, as well as preparation for future growth in our schools. I invite you to visit my website at www.mberk.com to learn more about me and my campaign.

If you agree we need to step-up for our children and taxpayers, then I hope you will support me on Tuesday, May 17.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Michael Berk