Dear State College Voters,

I am very appreciative of your support during the primary election in May. With your help, I secured nominations on both the Democrat and Republican ballots. Once again, I am asking for your vote.

I will bring a common-sense perspective to the school board, especially in the areas of fiscal responsibility and balance. There is a difference between needs and wants-in all areas of life-and especially with regard to the school district's budget. We need to promote education that will take our children into the future, and do it within our means. It is fiscally irresponsible to allow our assets and resources-our buildings-to deteriorate. We need to complete the District Wide Facilities Master Plan and follow it. We also must maintain our tradition of excellence in education and remember that there is always room for improvement. Residents of the State College area respect education and will support our schools, but living in State College must remain affordable. This is where we must strive for balance.

In addition, I believe strongly that we should have a diverse school board to represent the diversity in our community. I have gained hands-on knowledge from volunteering in the schools for the last 14 years and can appreciate the diversity in our schools. I chaired International Fun Night at Easterly Parkway and started International Fun Night at Houserville. During my Junior Woman's Club years, I supported many different Centre County charities through fundraising events. I have also held leadership positions at the Jewish Community Center (JCC), coordinated the JCC group walk for Habitat for Humanities, and participated in a fundraising campaign for Easter Seals. I have had the privilege of working with many different people in a wide variety of activities in our community.

Finally, I consider community service to be a serious responsibility, and the timing is right for me to devote the necessary time to be an effective school board member. I have two recent graduates from State High (2007 and 2009). During the last school board election, I was very involved because I felt the public deserved a chance to be informed and to weigh in on decisions. I believe it is vital for elected officials to be accountable to their constituents and responsive to the community, and I would like to uphold these ideals.

I would consider it an honor to serve the State College school district. Please vote for me on November 3.

Sincerely,
Penni Fishbaine
Accountability. Balance. Common sense.
penni@penniforschoolboard.com