Managing Pension Costs, Updating Aging Buildings Priorities 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. 

MARIAN MCCOUCH, 51, a lifelong Horsham resident, attended LaSalle University. She is serving her eighth year as a Hatboro-Horsham School Board director. 

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

With my financial background and experience on the board  I have successfully managed the financial restrictions of Act 1 supporting aggressive cost-cutting strategies and various revenue generating initiatives. A conservative approach to spending is an ongoing objective while maintaining a commitment to our core educational programs is a top priority.

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

Balancing and managing the rising pension costs and updating and/or replacing our aging buildings without putting the burden on our community
and affecting the quality of education.

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

Resolving these issues is a team effort. Our board needs to work closely with our administration, teachers and our community so that the best ideas and solutions can be implemented.

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?

Our district has an extensive recruiting, screening and interviewing process to secure the best employees.

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

Our policies and procedures are under constant review. We should never overlook the best candidate for the job.

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

The vision for Hallowell is still in its infancy. There is still much input needed from both professionals and our community before we can reach our goal to make this a school that will set the bar for providing the best facilities for education for years to come.

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

We are currently planning a vision for the entire district to include the best use of Hallowell. Those decisions will be made as we continue to receive input from our professional advisors and the community.

Anything else you'd like to add?

Our community has placed their trust in me for the past eight years. I have taken this responsibility very seriously. My goal has been, and if re-elected will continue to be ensuring our children the best education, facilities and programs while maintaining fiscal responsibility to our community.