Candidates vie for Gettysburg School Board as budget cuts loom
Six candidates for the Gettysburg Area School Board shared their visions for the district during a recent forum hosted by Gettysburg Rising on Thursday evening. With four open seats in the upcoming election, the forum provided a platform for candidates to discuss pressing issues, including looming budget cuts, curriculum modernization, and the overall health of the school community.
While their backgrounds and approaches varied, the candidates were unified in recognizing the challenges ahead and their commitment to ensuring GASD remains a place where all students can thrive.
Dale Brennan (D), a retired high school teacher and coach, emphasized the importance of listening and trust in leadership. “As a community, sometimes you have to trust school board members that they’re gonna do their research, they’re gonna talk to people, and they’re gonna listen to people, and then they’re gonna make an informed decision,” he said. Brennan spoke of his long career in education and his efforts to give students in the social sciences equal recognition and opportunity.
Donna S. Harrison (D/R), a former principal of James Gettys Elementary with over 40 years in the district, stressed equity in education as a foundational goal. “The whole purpose of a school board is to make decisions that are in the best interest of all children, all of our children regardless of race, regardless of their economic background, they are entitled to have an excellent education,” she said. Harrison reflected on her leadership and the importance of community engagement in schools.
https://gettysburgconnection.org/candidates-vie-for-gettysburg-school-board-as-budget-cuts-loom/