Raising High School Reading, Math Levels Goal 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. 

SHARON LABOW, 68, a Horsham resident of seven years, holds a Bachelor of Science degree in education, as well as a Masters degree in education from Temple University, plus 30 credits from Gratz College.

Labow has volunteered for more than 40 years for ORT America (a 100-year-old international nonprofit organization that builds schools to educate children to teach them a trade); as well as Gilda’s Club of Delaware Valley, and at Upper Moreland Intermediate School.

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

I have had over 33 years of experience in education, writing                 curriculum, mentoring, counseling and teaching. Also I have served on the board of directors of nonprofits managing budgets and supervising personnel.

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

My main concern is getting the high school’s reading and math achievement levels raised. Hatboro-Horsham High School did not make any top school list. Our district received an 87 percent ranking when surrounding districts ranked in the mid 90s. Another issue is transparency of district business to the taxpayers.

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

I would identify the reason for the high school’s unsatisfactory reading and math scores. With committees I would devise a plan with goals to achieve academic excellence. Get support to all the students who need help to strengthen their weak tested subject area.

I would televise all school board meetings.

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?

Advertise publicly all employment opportunities. Especially target educational publications if teacher/administrative positions are needed.

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

Absolutely. They already have it in place regarding teacher hiring. Now it should include all hiring.

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

The new Hallowell school should be a state-of-the-art building enhancing energy efficient HVAC system, the latest technology with SMART boards in every classroom, green energy saving utilities and environmentally safe both inside and outside. The building should be futuristic to meet the needs of students and community for coming decades.

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

It is incumbent upon the board to do what is financially prudent for the district. Some schools are deteriorating and one floods during heavy rains. This is costly and unhealthy. If maintenance costs could be cut and better put into education programs or hiring more teachers, then it is worthwhile. 

Anything else you’d like to add?

My reason for running for school board director is to insure a level of outstanding education for our children in Hatboro-Horsham School District which has fallen below that level recently. I have a vested interest in our success since my grandchildren are in the district.