Meet Marple Newtown School Board Candidate: Ellen Trantas

Name:  Ellen Trantas

Municipality:  Broomall

Party:  Democrat

Running For (include district/ward if applicable):  Marple Newtown School Board

Positions Held Previously/Years in Office: None

What are the larger issues facing the district and how would you like to see them resolved?

The needs of our schools are greater than the budget. I want to make sure that we use our resources wisely.

How would you create a balance between spending taxpayer dollars and quality education?

It is important that we have a strategic plan for how best to spend taxpayer dollars. We need to spend on areas that will improve educational results, keep people wanting to move into Broomall and Newtown Square, and ultimately, increase our property values. We need to show our residents that they are getting good value out of their tax dollars.

How can you improve school district and board transparency with residents? 

We should have clearer and more frequent communications. Information presented at board meetings should be shared with the public in a timely manner. Also, more items should be discussed in public meetings, and not in private board sessions.

Why should residents give you their vote?

I am invested in our community. I attend school board meetings regularly and am up-to-date on current issues. We have an obligation to educate the children in our community. I believe that providing a great education for our students is a tremendous asset to improving our neighborhoods.