Pottsville, PA (Feb 4)-- On the steps of his former institution, Scott R. Thomas announced his candidacy for the Pottsville Area School Board.   Thomas gathered by family, friends and supporters, said that he wants to give back to an institution that gave a lot to him and he is committed to make the school system even better.

“I am committed to improving the Pottsville Area School District, and to help make the education our young people receive world class in quality, ” said Thomas. “With a difficult economic environment, and an increasing difficult and competitive world, it is imperative that we do all we can to prepare our graduates for success in the real world.”

“As a recent graduate of the school, I am in a unique position that allows be to be viewed as a peer by the students and a colleague by board members. I will be able to articulate the ideas and concerns of the students in a constructive way that will improve the educational product our schools produce,” he stated.

“When you serve on the school board, you are not a Republican or a Democrat. You are an advocate. Children are counting on us to do the right thing, to fight for them and their future. Therefore, I welcome bipartisan support for my campaign,” said Thomas.

Last year, Thomas surprised many when he was elected overwhelmingly to the Republican State Committee, being the youngest to hold the office.

For view the full announcement speech, click here.

Below are the priorities Thomas wishes to focus on (from his speech:

1. More public participation in school programs and activities – I think it is important that parents take an active and involved role in the education of their children.  I would like to see increased focus on parent-teacher communication, and using the latest technologies to make information available to parents.  The more involved a parent is in a students studies, the better education they will receive. 
2. More dialogue between our parents, students and the Board of Education – as a recent graduate of the school, I am in a unique position that allows me to be viewed as a peer by the students, and as a colleague by board members.  I will be able to articulate the ideas and concerns of students in a constructive way that will improve the educational product our schools produce.  I will meet at least quarterly with the leaders of the Student Council, National Honor Society or other student organizations to learn what is on their minds, and what they believe will enhance the participation and success of our school programs. 
3. The need for Efficient School Operations – in a difficult economic environment, finding the most cost efficient cost effective ways to run a school is essential.  The taxpayers deserve and demand an advocate on the board that will make sure that every dollar spent on education is a dollar earned.  Costs of eduction have continually risen, and it may be time to consider replacing programs that don’t work, or creating new programs that meet the demands of todays world.  Twenty years ago, our schools had very limited classes on computers, now we have many.  The world is full of change, and we must be prepared to proactively and creatively adjust to the changing needs of our colleges, universities and employers so that our graduates are successful when they get that diploma from Pottsville High School.
4. The need to monitor our drop out rates and determine why that occurs – data suggests that Schuylkill County has a higher than average school drop out rate.  High School drop outs end up costing taxpayers more money and often times become dependent on welfare and medical assistance programs.  A cycle of dependency is often created, and it is not good for anyone.  It hurts the drop out – they have less chances for good paying jobs and a good quality of life.  It hurts the school – there are penalties for not meeting federal and state standards of performance. And, it hurts our society as a whole and our area in particular when we have low education levels and increased levels of poverty, which can lead to increased crime and despair.  We need our educational system to serve as a safety net for many of these types of situations.  We need counselors and teachers that can have input and direction in the lives of the students.  We need educators that will provide guidance and direction to these students, and serve as an inspiration to them the same way my teachers inspired me to be all I can be.  I will look for ways to increase our success with these students, and provide the opportunity for an American dream for each and every child that proudly wears the Crimson Tide.