Finding Creative Ways to Fund Schools Top Priority for Incumbent

Ten candidates are vying for five seats on the Republican-controlled Hatboro-Horsham School Board.

Patch will post profiles on each candidate running for school board in alphabetical order by last name. 

LOU POLANECZKY, 49,  a 20-year Hatboro resident, received his Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Penn State University and works as a certified public accountant. 

Polaneczky, who is finishing his first term on the Hatboro-Horsham School Board, of which he is vice president, has also served for the last four years on the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit board. 

He served five years as treasurer of the Upper Moreland-Hatboro Joint Sewer Authority; four years on the Hatboro Borough Council; and served as treasurer of the Greater Hatboro Chamber of Commerce for eight years.

What best qualifies you for a term on the Hatboro-Horsham School Board?

As a CPA I have skills in multiple financial areas that I bring to our board. As a father of a Hatboro-Horsham graduate and a current Pennypack second-grader, I have a parent's perspective. Lastly, as a taxpayer I am keenly aware of the cost of real estate taxes to residents.

What do you see as the big issues facing the district?

I helped to negotiate two teachers contracts, while maintaining taxes below the PA Act 1 limit. I want to continue to find creative ways to fund our quality schools without running to taxpayers every time we need something. I want to tailor our curriculum to better meet ALL students’ needs. 

If elected, how would you work to handle those issues?

We can enhance our revenues by renting playing fields, advertising at our stadium/sports facilities, and providing additional after care and other fee-based services while controlling expenses. As for the curriculum, I believe we can continue to test innovative programs like "hybrid learning" and dual college enrollment for high school students. 

The appearance of nepotism seems to have been at play in at least one recent district hiring. How would you work to find and consider the best candidates?

ALL permanent position hires currently go through a multi-candidate screening process. These jobs are posted both in the schools and publicly. The board often reviews the resumes of candidates for these positions and asks questions to determine their suitability.

Should the district enact anti-nepotism legislation? Why or why not?

If we are trying to find the best employees, I do not believe in barring anyone from the hiring process regardless of to whom they are related. No one in my family works for the Hatboro-Horsham School District.

What’s your vision for the new Hallowell Elementary School?

I see the new Hallowell as a state-of-the-art, environmentally friendly, and economically efficient school. This school also needs to be "expansion ready" to accommodate potential new air base residential development.

Should the district relocate students from under-utilized schools to the new school, or maintain the same number of elementary schools?

Our current community based elementary school model seems to be working quite well. I do not see a need to start shifting students at this time.

Anything else you would like to add?

I enjoy giving back to my community. This position is low on pay ($0) but very big in satisfaction! I would appreciate the opportunity to serve our community for another four years!