Elect Buckalew, Hauge, Probasco

Kyle Emery, of Plumsted
   As a graduate of New Egypt High School’s Class of 2008, I feel that I possess a special and unique perspective on our schools that most people do not. I am a lifelong resident of New Egypt. I have been in the school system from kindergarten to 12th grade. I had the privilege to serve as the student representative to the Plumsted Township Board of Education my senior year. I was fortunate enough to have received my education in New Egypt and build many relationships over that time. I believe I know what was successful and what was not successful in our district.
   During the past several years, we have seen a lot of changes in our district. Many of these changes I witnessed firsthand by attending board meetings before, during and after my time on the board itself. These changes came as a surprise and were not welcome by the community or most importantly by the students that were affected. In the high school, we experienced the brunt of the changes. An example of this change came during a stressful time for college-bound seniors. The Board of Education eliminated the supervisor of guidance position, which directly affected the students. This caused more work and stress on all the college applicants as well as the guidance counselors.
   Also at the high school, we had an interim principal for the past year and a half who attempted to implement many changes and ignore the proud traditions of our high school. Another change that we can all agree upon was the loss of Mrs. Carlson (interim superintendent). We would have welcomed her as our new superintendent with open arms. I strongly believe that the community came together last year and elected Sandy Soles to bring the focus back to the students. During the same election the budget narrowly passed, even with a 0 percent tax increase.
   The reasons mentioned above are clear indicators of the need and desire for this community and students to elect Jon Hauge, Keith Buckalew and Chris Probasco. I am proud to personally know all three gentlemen and trust their experience with our district as longtime Plumsted residents so that my brother and other students can experience the tradition that once put Plumsted schools on the map in all areas. All three have an active history and continue to be vital community members.
   I am presently attending the University of Virginia and I feel so strongly about my community that I already submitted my vote by absentee ballot. Please join me in voting for Jon Hauge, Keith Buckalew and Chris Probasco on April 21 and put our schools back on track.