Five people seeking election to the Riverview School Board are committing themselves to improving technology and staying at the forefront of educational changes. Tom Bland is running on the Republican ticket and Ken Anthony is in the race as a Democrat. Three people, Edward Saxon, Arlene Loeffler and John Hackworth, have received both the Democratic and Republican nominations. Anthony said the district needs to ensure that technology is current in the district. He said he supports more technology classes for the students and in professional development. “The students have to be able to achieve,” Anthony said. Loeffler said the district has to look at what software is available to remain up-to-date. She also said she would like to see more distance education classes so that students can utilize elective classes at other schools. Hackworth said the district compares favorably with other schools in its technology. “It’s not just about acquiring technology,” Hackworth said. “It’s about infusing it into all areas of the curriculum.” Hackworth said the high school’s writing lab is a great advancement and would like to see it on all levels. Bland, like Hackworth, said there have been great strides at the high school and he would like to see the effort continued at the elementary level. “Technology moves so rapidly,” Bland said. “As we are getting up to speed, technology’s already getting obsolete.” Saxon said he believes the district compares favorably with other area districts and said the board is undertaking an upgrade of elementary computer labs. Anthony said if he could add money to the budget it would be at the elementary level, especially in core reading and language areas. “Before I would take money away from the curriculum, I would take money away from something non- academic, perhaps out of office supplies.” Anthony said he would look at reducing costs that would have the least impact on curriculum. Saxon said he would add money to professional development. Bland said he would put the money into the technology area. Hackworth said the money would be added to the building project or educational programs area. Loeffler said she would add money to curriculum development. This election, some novices are challenging 15-year veterans on the school board. Anthony said he has built a portion of his campaign on the premise of improved communications with the school board, faculty parents and local officials and business leaders. “Although Oakmont and Verona are fortunate to have a strong public school system with a positive reputation, I am concerned that our school board and borough leadership functions are so independent of one another,” Anthony said. Hackworth and Loeffler are campaigning on what has been done in the years they have been on the board, while Bland said he is fighting a battle for name recognition. “I have two school-age children,” Bland said. “Now’s the time I have a most vested interest in Riverview School District,” he added.

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