On Monday, December 2, Lower Merion’s new Board of School Directors members were sworn in at the Lower Merion Administration Building. The Board is comprised of nine members: President Dr. Melissa Gilbert, Ms. Virginia Pollard, Ms. Diane DiBonaventuro, Mr. Benjamin Driscoll, Dr. Marissa Golden, Ms. Laurie Actman, Dr. Maureen O’Leary, Ms. Subha Robinson, and Dr. Robin Vann Lynch.

The School Board is an active and engaged panel of educated community members who are eager to improve the quality of LMSD education. Although the School Board makes important decisions that affect students’ everyday lives, the Board’s specific responsibilities remain somewhat of a mystery to many students.

The school board plays an extremely important role in every day student life, as they decide the budget for each school, choose the curriculum, and hire the Superintendent, who oversees the actions of the schools.  Board President, Dr. Melissa Gilbert explains, “The main function of the board is to provide every student with the highest quality education possible.”  She goes on to explain that though the Board of Directors may not directly impact students, they plow the paths that Superintendent McGinley must follow.

Members of the community can contact the Board with any concerns, suggestions, or inquiries.  Board member Dr. Marissa Golden states, “I view my role as listening to a wider range of voices from within the community.”  It is the School Board’s duty to inform the larger community of any projects or issues that may impact them, regardless of whether they currently have a child attending a Lower Merion school, and to take into account their opinions. The School Board has to consider the varying interests of the entire Lower Merion Community!

In the district there has been a significant increase in student enrollment and projections indicate that growth will continue.  On the topic of increased enrollment and the financial costs, President Melissa Gilbert comments, “One of the biggest challenges is how to continue the quality of our education in an ACT 1 environment that will not allow us to increase the budget despite the large increase in students.”

In 2006, the Pennsylvania Department of Education passed ACT 1, a piece of legislation that outlines the District’s policy on tax increases. Though this Act presents financial challenges, the School Board is focused on trying to maintain extracurricular activities and current offerings in the district.  Board member Ben Driscoll recognizes, “The global economy will always be changing and we must change to keep pace.”  To do so, the Board members must be thoughtful, analytical and meticulous in making their decisions.

In addition to maintaining Lower Merion’s high reputation, the Board of Directors is constantly brainstorming ways to better Lower Merion School District. The School Board’s goals include creating a 21^st century curriculum, attracting the best teachers, engaging in fiscal and educational discipline through on-going evaluation of schools, ensuring the equality of educational opportunities, and improving communication. We, as students, regularly benefit from their aspirations and constant efforts to improve the district.

Lower Merion School Board members work tirelessly to address the concerns and expectations of the Lower Merion community.  They give a lot and expect a little.

New Board Member, Dr. Maureen O’Leary, shares how she works to follow in her parent’s footsteps by volunteering.   “I get energized when I get a chance to volunteer in a subject area that is important to me. Education is incredibly important to me.  It’s fundamental to our society.”

Our community is extraordinarily fortunate to have an informed panel of concerned, involved people working hard to monitor and improve the district.  While we listen to Mr. Tudor explain how cells work, ponder one of Ms. Jawork’s philosophical questions, or play soccer and hang out with friends, the School Board toils away to make Lower Merion the best it can be.

It is evident that the recently elected and veteran School Board members will go above and beyond our expectations to help Lower Merion prosper and excel.