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LEWISTOWN - Speculation regarding a buyout of the Mifflin-Juniata Career and Technology Center, financial concerns and the possibility of closing Union Elementary School were at the forefront of the discussion among Mifflin County School Board candidates during the Mifflin County Farm Bureau's "Measure the Candidates" event.

Held Wednesday at Indian Valley High School, the forum included opening and closing statements and a question and answer session with eight of the nine school board candidates. Questions were submitted by members of the audience, and the candidates were given two minutes for statements.

The first opening statement was given by Michael Lewis. He said he has a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Millersville University and a Ph.D in education administration from Pennsylvania State University.

"I've studied school improvement intensively," he said, adding that he is looking forward to bringing that experience to the board.

Next, incumbent Walter Harpster said he has taught for 34 years at Indian Valley High School, and enjoyed seeing people from his past classes at the evening's event.

In his opening statement, Jeff Adams said he resides in Belleville and thanked the Farm Bureau for allowing the candidates to come out for the event.

Marihelen Hower opened by saying she has enjoyed spending most of her life in Mifflin County. She said she owns and operates a local business and serves as a leader in church.

"I believe I could be a voice to our community," she added.

In Kristen Sharp's opening statement, she said, "I have made it my life's work to serve the children of Mifflin County. I am optimistic about the future."

Sharp currently is a stay-at-home mom, but she has a degree in early childhood education and has worked at SUM Child Development Inc., she said.

Mary Lou Sigler opened by saying she is running for the office because she cares deeply about students and learning.

"I want to ensure tax dollars are used wisely, effectively and efficiently," Sigler said.

Incumbent Travis Parkes began the evening saying he hopes to continue serving on the school board with "conservative judgment and new change in the district."

Also an incumbent, Phillip Nash opened by saying the school board is the "natural way to utilize his education experience."

Nash said he already has had rewarding experiences serving on the school board.

The candidates then answered questions from the audience.

Q: What does public education mean to you?

Sharp answered, "Public education is the chance for every child to prepare for life's work."

Some families choose public or private education for various reasons, Sharp said.

"We need to give them the best education possible. I want it better for my children, my friends' children, my neighbors' children ..." he continued.

Sigler answered, "I've spent 36 years in education. Public education is the foundation of our democracy.

"I am dedicated to securing a superior education for all children. We educate the masses ... and need to keep them near and dear to our hearts so they can succeed."

Parkes answered: "Public education is the backbone of our community. It helps teach and socialize our children."

Nash said that 175 years ago public education began so that "all young children in the community could follow their constitutional right to follow their dreams and goals."

Lewis answered, "Public education is a foundation of our country."

He said the country has gotten where it is today because of a solid education system, and he wants to provide the best possible education system so students are prepared when they enter the work force.

Harpster answered by saying, "Public education is what keeps our country free."

He said it's great to see people at the evening's event, and that's what America should be about people being able to come out and hear the candidates speak.

Adams then answered the question by saying public education is the foundation of society.

"It's what gives every child an equal start," he said. "It's what pushes everyone to better themselves."

He said public education prepares people for higher education if they choose to pursue it.

Hower then addressed the question by saying, "Public education is our students and our students are our future."

She said that public education is ever-changing, and that everyone needs to come together to provide the best care.

Q: Since the position is unpaid, why are you seeking the position of school board director?

Harpster answered the question by saying, "I love teaching. I like to give something back to the community."

He added that he also is a fiscal conservative and "I'd like to save some money."

Adams answered, "I want the very best education for my children and all the children in Mifflin County."

He said small schools are an asset to the community and he wants to devote himself to keeping independence in the schools and not merge them.

Adams added that small, intimate settings often are the best for education. He said he has seen spending a little out of control and he "will fight to keep our taxes low."

Hower then addressed the question by saying she believes in the civic duty to find a way to give back to the community, and she wants "to be the voice for the public."

Lewis said he has 32 years of experience in the school system and studied school improvement.

"As I see it, Mifflin County schools (have) tremendous potential," he said.

He added that he's seen a lot of polarization within the school board.

"I feel that handicaps our district," he said. "It's important that we work collectively together."

Sharp said she saw the needs and struggles of her family and friends.

"I consider this my home," she said. "I want to make it a better place for them and ... for generations to come."

Sigler answered, "I'm pursuing this because I spent my entire life in Mifflin County. I began my education in a one-room school house."

As a teacher, principal and school administrator, Sigler said she never has had a position that she did not enjoy.

"I want to give back without pay," Sigler said.

Parkes answered that he is a young taxpayer and a young parent who sees a need for "positive change in leadership from top to bottom."

Parkes said he promotes smaller class sizes and new leadership to provide a better education for the children of Mifflin County.

Nash answered that he has been blessed in his opportunity to obtain several college degrees and to work for and retire from New Holland.

"I feel I need to give back to the community," Nash said.

Q: How important is the budgeting process to the school board?

Sigler responded, "I have qualifications to fill the roll because I have experience with administration."

As the school district's former director of federal programs, Sigler said she accepted millions of dollars from the federal and state government. While serving as the director, Sigler said she was audited every year and never was cited for anything.

"The board's responsibility is to go through the budget very, very carefully to see whether they are spending wisely, effectively and efficiently," Sigler said.

Parkes replied that the school board is "the watchdog of your tax dollars."

"We need to make sure the cuts are not coming (from) the children's education," Parkes said.

Nash answered that although the school board has the responsibility of the budget, Superintendent David Runk and Chief Financial Officer Sean Daubert have been excellent in providing suggestions and information to the board.

"It takes a lot of planning," Nash said. "The governor wants us to pass a budget in February, before we know what's going on."

Approximately 70 percent of the budget is wages and fringe benefits for the school district employees, Nash said.

"If we want to make a difference, we need to watch how things are manned in the district," he said.

Sharp replied that the budget should be a top priority for the school board and suggested looking for more grants to help with financial issues.

"With the current economy, we're walking a fine line," Sharp said. "With the new high school, too, the board needs to be creative with how to walk that line."

Harpster addressed the question by saying the most difficult time of the year is budgeting. Harpster said it's important to look at how much is coming in and how much is going out, and there is a fine line when it comes to what should be cut and if taxes should be raised.

"It takes some real wisdom to get through a budgeting process," he said.

Adams said in his response that the budgeting process is vital, and spending should be kept at a responsible level.

"We need to be responsible with that money and try to move our schools forward," he said.

Hower responded, saying that during difficult economic times the board will be challenged.

"Every decision I make will be to the benefit of every child," she said.

Lewis said, "We must establish priorities."

He said it's important to ask what the district's mission is and what the best use of the money is. He added that if the board can prioritize and keep in mind the district's goal and intent, then it would get the "best bang for the buck."

Q: If the choice came to closing Union Elementary School or enacting a tax increase, which would you choose?

Harpster said, "I just love small schools."

He said with small schools, kids and parents really get to know each other, and that he would try to find another way to cut the budget.

Adams answered the question by saying, "Absolutely not."

He said he has a child currently enrolled at Union Elementary School.

"I don't think you'll find a more intimate setting for an elementary school anywhere," he said.

He said small schools are vital and he will do everything possible to keep them that way, adding that he would find other ways to balance the budget.

Hower then addressed the question by saying every decision made has to benefit every child in Mifflin County.

She said she would look at resources and where they are being spent.

"I like small schools," she added.

Lewis said the decision to close Union Elementary School is not an issue this year, as it is included in the 2009-2010 budget. He said he wants to keep the school open.

"I'm an advocate of neighborhood schools," he said.

Parkes answered, "I am a definite advocate for the promotion of small schools and small classrooms, and also to preserve it."

Small classes should not be cut, especially at the elementary level where children are beginning school, Parkes said.

Nash replied that when the school board previously considered closing the school, "I voted not to."

"I feel it's a vital elementary school," Nash said.

Sharp answered that as a Belleville native and resident she was asked by a group of parents to represent the area on the school board.

"I wouldn't agree with the board that agrees to build a huge school up here for millions and close a small school for $700,000," Sharp said.

Sigler replied, "I do not want to close Union Elementary; however, I'm not going to promise you."

In the next four years, Sigler said she cannot guarantee that Union will not be closed. She added that small schools do not necessarily mean small class sizes.

"Every year, everything has to be looked at," Sigler said. "There are other small public schools in the Mifflin County School District, too."

Q: Will you make public the school board's investments in long-term bonds with the new Indian Valley High School project?

Parkes answered that the documents are open to the public and encouraged the public to visit the administration office to request to view the documents.

Nash reiterated Parkes' comments, adding that the school district is in good standing with the bonds because of its fiscal conservative approaches.

Sharp also encouraged people to visit the administration offices to view the documents.

Sigler said she had no additional comments to add.

Adams answered the question by saying yes; "It's public information."

He said those who want to invest in the schools or bureaus "have every right to do so."

Hower said she also would keep financial bonds open to the community, and be transparent in those actions.

Lewis said, "It is the law," and those who request information would get an answer.

Harpster then addressed the question by saying, "I can say something different."

He said that in an effort to share information with the public, the Indian Valley High School project, which is to be continued this summer, would put the school district $150 million in debt.

Q: Do you support Mifflin County School District buying out Juniata County School District in the Mifflin-Juniata Career and Technology Center so Mifflin County can take over?

Hower said based on the current information she has, her opinion is neutral; she needs to do more research and that research would be based on financial aspects.

She said her opinion right now is to "stay as we are."

Lewis said he doesn't know the cost or value of the technical school, but "I would suspect it's worth a lot of money."

He said if Mifflin County were to take over the school, it would have to purchase Juniata County's share, and it would cost about $15 to $20 million to take over the school.

"I don't see how that's cost effective," he said.

Harpster answered that he'd like to see Mifflin County take over the technical school.

Adams then addressed the question by saying, "I don't think the school district is in any sort of position" to acquire the school.

He said it may be possible down the road because things may change, but currently the board is not in any shape "to enter that sort of venture."

Parkes answered, "I fully support Mifflin County control of the vo-tech. We do have the controlling share."

Currently sitting on the tech school board, Parkes said the board has "seen many hardships with it being a split group. Both counties need it, but both have different ideals."

Issues include traveling and time that students are not in their home schools, Parkes said.

Nash replied that he, too, sat on the tech board in the past and would fully support the buyout.

"The main reason is we could provide more advanced programs. Not to shut out Juniata County, we could still offer them the option to participate," Nash said. "Juniata County already has a small technical school operating."

"It could be challenging for us. It could be more profitable for the schools," Nash said.

Sharp answered that she did not have a lot of expertise with the issue and that she would seek more information.

"I would make a just decision based on the best interest for all parties," Sharp said.

Sigler responded, "It's not the right time to acquire the technical center. I do support the idea."

Because of the current financial strain with the economy and new high school, "we need to look at it down the road," Sigler said. "It's not cost effective."

After the questions, the candidates gave their closing remarks.

Hower said she wants to serve the community as a Mifflin County School Board director, and reiterated that she has enjoyed spending most of her life in Mifflin County.

She said she believes everyone should come together to offer the best education for the children.

"I think the school board should always stay focused on the vision of the district," she said. "Our students deserve the best education possible that we can provide them."

Adams began his summation by saying he wants to thank the Farm Bureau, and that the Measure the Candidates event is a great asset to the community.

"I believe in small schools," he said. "I believe in the students of Mifflin County."

Harpster then gave his closing remark by saying it's important to elect directors who use common sense, and that the schools need more parental involvement.

"We need greater cooperation and communication," he said. "I'd like to see people, when they come to a board meeting, be number one."

He added that he wants to make the Mifflin County School District the best in the state.

"I ask for your support," he said.

Lewis said he has a great concern about the high level of conflict in the current board, and he doesn't want that conflict to continue.

He said there are many benefits of working together, and that "as a board member, that will be my goal."

Lewis said so many decisions need to be made as board members, and once a decision is made, it should be supported and then the board should move on.

"Board members must weight decisions as individuals," he said.

He said there's much to be proud of in the school district, but "that does not mean there isn't room for improvement."

Lewis then explained that investment in schools also comes back to benefit the community.

"We must do our very best to provide a good education for our students," he said.

In his closing remarks, Nash said because he is retired, he has a lot of time to dedicate to the position.

"This primarily is my way to give back," Nash said, adding that he also continues to support the proposed Tuscarora Regional Community College and dual enrollment opportunities for high school students.

Nash said he would like to improve the number of students from Mifflin County who go on to higher education after high school and to decrease the drop-out rate.

Parkes closed by saying he would like to see a change in leadership of Mifflin County.

"I've been a strict conservative watchdog in the county. Youth is where we need to start and where we need to focus," he said.

Mifflin County will have no tax increase this year because of stimulus funds from the federal government, Parkes said. "I'll do my best jobs to promote these ideals."

Sigler concluded by drawing everyone's attention to the school district's mission statement, "To educate every student to meet life's challenges."

Sigler said she helped to write the mission statement and the strategic plan that goes along with it.

"I'm concerned where students stand with state testing, but I have another concern: Is every student progressing ... every year? I think we need to start focusing on that issue ... state tests don't really tell us that. We need smaller class sizes for every student to progress every year," she said.

She gave out her telephone number, 667-2890, to anyone who wants to discuss her platform.

"I am an independent thinker. I'll make decisions with the best interest of students, taxpayers and the community," Sigler said. "I funded my own campaign. I don't wish to feel obliged to go with any individual or group. I will listen to you. You will have my ear."

Sharp concluded, saying, "As a concerned tax payer, I understand the need to be fiscally conservative."

Sharp said she wants to encourage parent involvement "as much as possible."

"I have one child with different education needs. I want to be a voice for families who don't have one. I want to promote communication with the community," Sharp said. "We need citizens who are everyday people."

School board candidate James Hurlburt did not attend the forum.