Former PAHS student vies for opening on school board
BY DAMIAN GESSEL
STAFF WRITER
Recent Pottsville Area High School graduate Scott Thomas hopes to soon have a
say in the future of his alma mater.
The 19-year-old on Wednesday announced his candidacy for an opening on the
school board. He’ll be vying for one of four seats during this May’s election,
one of which was previously occupied by the late board president William J.
Zimmerman, who died on Jan. 28.
Thomas graduated from PAHS in 2008. He believes that puts him in a unique
position to govern the school district.
“I can relate to the students and bring some of their ideas to the board,”
Thomas said Wednesday standing on the steps outside the high school, where he
spoke in front of about two dozen supporters.
“When I am elected as a member of the Pottsville Area school board, I will be
glad to give back to an institution I have loved and admired my whole life,”
said Thomas, “and I will ensure that decisions made by the board are made in the
best interests of our students and taxpayers.”
Thomas now attends Lehigh Carbon Community College. In two years, he plans to
transfer to Bloomsburg University to obtain his bachelor’s degree. He credited
the teachers of PAHS for serving as role models to him and instilling in him the
drive to be a good person.
If elected, Thomas said he plans to work toward a number of goals, including
improving public participation in school programs, increasing dialog between
parents, students and the board and other ideals.
“I think it is important that parents take an active and involved role in the
education of their children,” Thomas said, adding that he’d like to monitor the
school drop out rate to look toward an improvement there.
He also said he was interested in keeping school operations efficient for the
benefit of taxpayers.
Thomas said: “In a difficult economic environment, finding the most
cost-efficient way to run a school is essential.”
Tom Yarnell, Pottsville City GOP Chairman, introduced Thomas on Wednesday to the
gathered crowd, praising his fresh ideas.
“I believe in fresh young members of the Republican party,” Yarnell said.
If elected, Thomas would be youngest member of the Pottsville Area school board.