Letter to the Editor: School board candidate disappointed

Posted by ChaddsFordLive on October 9, 2013

I am very disappointed that the League of Women Voters' traditional Meet the Candidates Night for the Unionville-Chadds Ford School Board election will not be taking place this year. The League offered to host a forum for the discussion of issues in the contested race in Region C, however my opponent has declined to participate.

I believe that addressing the issues should be a vital component of any campaign for the School Board. An open and public forum where our residents can ask questions is crucial in helping voters to select a well-qualified candidate. It is a cornerstone of our democratic process to have such forums that are available to everyone and provide for a well-informed electorate.

It is unfortunate that this opportunity will not be offered to our residents to address some of the issues facing our district, including:

the budget and the question of exceptions to the Act 1 Index;
unfunded mandates from the state and federal governments;
future renovations of some of our school buildings;
the evaluation and adequate compensation of our educators; and
how we can keep pace with the ever-changing educational landscape and the increasing demands on our students.

Therefore, in lieu of a public discussion, I invite you to visit my website at www.leticia4schoolboard.com to learn more about some of these important issues, and to submit your questions. I also invite voters from Pennsbury and Chadds Ford on Oct. 22 to meet me at the Mushroom Cafe at 9 a.m. and the Starbucks in Glen Mills at 7 p.m., to discuss some of these important issues.

I believe that serving on the board is a privilege and a responsibility. Answering difficult questions is – and should be – part of that responsibility. I look forward to addressing your issues as school board director.

Leticia Flores DeWilde
Pennsbury Township
School Board Director
Unionville -Chadds Ford School District

[Editor’s note: Carolyn Daniels, Flores DeWilde’s opponent in the school board race, did not return phone calls by press time. However, Chadds Ford Live did confirm with the League of Women Voters that Daniels did decline to take part in their event.]