Politics & Government

Meet the Candidates: Jacob Allen

Helping you to make an informed decision.

Age: 18

Residence: Bushkill Township

Do you have children in the district or relatives who work for the district? No

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What is your political affiliation: Democrat

Education: Soon-to-be graduate of Nazareth Area High School - 2011

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Profession/Work experience: Currently, I am still a student.

Community Service: Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) volunteer

Why are you running for school board?

For many years I have been attending school board meetings and various committee meetings, showing my interest and dedication to improving our district for all stakeholders.

What qualifies you to serve on the board?

  • I have a good knowledge of what the board is facing and has faced in the past from attending regular board meetings and committee meetings.
  • I serve as co-chair of the Forks UCC Stewardship & Finance Committee, and I am also a member of Consistory.
  • Member of the Nazareth Area School District Diversity Council.

If elected, how would you balance the needs of students and taxpayers?

The primary job of the board is to provide an education that will prepare the children in the district for their futures. This must be done with the interest of all the struggling or not struggling taxpayers in mind. I will not vote for the spending of any agenda money without careful consideration and review to ensure that the money spent will benefit students.

What areas of curriculum, programs and/or district operations would you like to see improved and how? (Please be as specific as possible)

With all high school courses being changed to be at a College Prep (CP) level or higher, and the elimination of on-level courses, we must endeavor to ensure that the CP classes stay on a CP level and not be “watered down” to a lower level. Also, we must take a close look at the operations of the district office and the consistency of the administration's discipline policy.  

Where do you think the district can reduce spending and/or save money? (Please be as specific as possible)

I believe that we as a board could take a good look at the central administrative positions and better restructure them to save district money, as well as look at teacher leader positions who do not currently teach in a classroom, but are being paid as teachers.

What one thing would you most like to accomplish if elected to the board?

Ensure that the students’ education is not harmed when making decisions on areas to cut the budget.

Anything else you would like voters to know?

Despite the fact that I am young, I am qualified. Being in the school on a daily basis, I have seen the areas that can be improved to better help the students' education and the taxpayers’ pockets.

If any voter or stakeholder would like to ask me specific questions regarding my opinion on any subject, they can e-mail me at votejea@gmail.com.


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