Investing in 'Well-Trained Teachers,' Upping Student Achievement Goals for Newcomer

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. 

SUSAN SHINTON, 55, a 29-year resident of Horsham, holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Thomas Jefferson University. She is a 33-year employee of the Fox Chase Cancer Center.

Shinton's two children have graduated from Hatboro-Horsham High School. When her children attended Hatboro-Horsham, Shinton served on the Home and School Associations at the elementary and high schools as committee chairs and a board member. 

She was also a member of the Troop Committee of Boy Scout Troop 542 and also served as both a deacon and an elder at her church.  

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

I would like to be a member of a school board that works collaboratively with all school district stakeholders (parents, teachers, students and taxpayers) to provide the best education to our students using available resources.

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

Lack of achievement compared to surrounding districts, in the Pennsylvania Department of Education school performance profiles. Inadequate investment in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) despite its importance in preparing our children for the future; and cuts in art, music, and technology education despite their importance in producing well-rounded citizens.

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

We need to invest in effective well-trained teachers who can engage students to perform and achieve at high levels. 

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 positions must be advertised with specific requirements and a person’s qualifications should be the most important factor in hiring decisions. Anyone related to a candidate must recuse themselves from the hiring decision.

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

No. Often excellent employees are referred by current employees and by enacting anti-nepotism legislation the school district could be missing out on qualified and committed employees.

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

A state-of-the-art educational facility establishing an educational environment to institute best practices for long-term student achievement and community growth.

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

I believe in the importance of neighborhood schools. At the same time, I think we need to face financial realities and not continue to spend money on dated buildings that are in need of constant repair.

Anything else you’d like to add?  

It is time for Hatboro-Horsham to have a school board that reflects the makeup of the community, believes in openness and transparency in communications and is committed to the best use of available resources to benefit all students.