The two candidates running for one Region 1 seat on the Lackawanna Trail School Board offer different opinions on what will be key issues in the coming term.
Sitting board member Kevin Mulhern, 44, of Nicholson, who works as a project manager for Scranton Sheet Metal and has served one year on the board, faces challenger Albert William Olive, 23, a correctional officer at the Wyoming County jail.
A Lackawanna Trail High School graduate, Mr. Olive said his two biggest issues center on public opinion and bullying.
He said it's "time to bring the public's voice back to government," arguing that public input has been ignored for the last few years. Though he declined to provide names, he said the board - on several occasions - has disregarded residents' claims that there is an increase in bullying at district schools.
"I would try to eliminate bullying by making sure students feel like they can reach out to anyone, including the board," Mr. Olive said. "I would listen to the public, and their voice would significantly affect any decision I made."
Mr. Mulhern said he is "comfortable" with the school's seven-page bullying policy, and denied the notion the board would ever ignore the public.
The most pressing issue, he said, is finding ways to enhance the educational experience, while also being mindful of the district's expenses.
An important aspect to education is class size, he said, noting that it's critical to keep them smaller even if positions are furloughed and more students are enrolled.
"It's all about the kids, and if they aren't learning or getting the best educational experience possible, what are we doing here?" he asked.
Both candidates said they strongly opposed any tax increase and are in favor of the district's decision to increase longtime probation officer Daralyn Carr's hours at the schools. Both are cross-filed as Democrat and Republican.
Contact the writer: miorfino@timesshamrock.com, @miorfinoTT on TwitterKevin J. Mulhern
Age: 44
Family: Wife, Lori; sons, Colin and Gavin; daughter, Keira
Education: Majored in architectural engineering at Penn State Worthington Scranton
Employment: Project manager at Scranton Sheet Metal
Home: Nicholson
Experience: Nicholson Borough Council, 1990-92
Top issue: Education
Albert William Olive
Age: 23
Family: Single
Education: Associate of Science from Keystone College
Employment: Correctional Officer at Wyoming County Correctional Facility
Home: Nicholson
Experience: No answer
Top issue: Public opinion