During my time on State College Borough Council and with the Centre Region Council of Governments, I learned that many of the issues in our community are reflected on a day-to-day basis in our schools.

My family has been very fortunate in the elementary and secondary education we have received. My two children benefited from what SCASD schools had to offer. My son, Zack, graduated from State High; my daughter, Hilary, graduated from what is now Delta High School; both were well prepared for their futures. I received a good elementary and secondary education in Lawrence, Kansas — a university community that has much in common with
State College. That education gave me an excellent start.

The schools in SCASD are good and part of why this region is a great place to live. However, they are not always good for every family. In this school system full of children with diverse backgrounds and diverse needs, I believe we must strive for schools where every child has a good education in a welcoming environment. Whatever their social backgrounds, that education should prepare them whether their future is trade school, the work force, or
a university.

I look forward to dialogue with parents, students, and citizens within SCASD in the coming years.

-Jesse Barlow