Letter to the Editor:

I am a resident of Landenberg. I have one child who currently attends public school in the Avon Grove School District and a younger child who is a future student to the Avon Grove School District.

I am deeply concerned about the future of the school district as it pertains to the upcoming school board election.  I believe our district is at a crossroads.  Our district needs a board of education that supports the schools and our students. We need individuals who are not politically motivated, but rather, student- and school-centered. 

Before moving here, we lived in upstate New York, where I served as an assistant principal between two elementary schools.  I understand what is involved in maintaining successful schools, as well as what type of individual is essential for an effective and productive Board of Education. 

For this reason, I am endorsing Brian Gaerity and Patrick Walker for the Avon Grove School Board. These two candidates have the skills and vision necessary to help maintain the quality of education offered in Avon Grove School District.  Because I believe both individuals are the best candidates to serve on our Board of Education, I urge everyone in Region 1 to vote for them on the Nov. 5, 2013 election.

Brian and his wife Anndria are the parents of two school-aged children. He has a B.A. in International Relations and an MBA. Brian was previously a member of the Avon Grove School Board and currently serves as Vice President for the Avon Grove Library Board of Trustees and is a chairperson for the Fred S. Engle Middle School PTO. He is a member of the AGSD Curriculum Committee, Safe Schools Leadership Team and the AGHS Accreditation Committee. For over 15 years, Brian worked in corporate marketing and communications for The Coca-Cola Company, technology start-ups and other companies. Brian currently is the Executive Director of Connecting Generations, a Wilmington-based non-profit that trains and places mentors in Delaware public schools.

Patrick and his wife, Kelly, are the parents of four school-aged children. He has a Ph.D. in chemistry and Doctorate in law. He is currently employed as an attorney with McCarter & English, LLP. He has served on a variety of committees for both the Avon Grove School District and the Avon Grove Charter School, and has volunteered locally as a cub scout den leader. He also serves as a board member for the non-profit organization Delaware Sustainable Chemistry Alliance.

In order to maintain quality education in the Avon Grove School District and to ensure that our students receive important, necessary experiences in sports, music, Advance Placement courses and extracurricular activities, I urge you to vote on Nov. 5 for Brian and Patrick.  Both candidates are trustworthy and passionate about the School District.  Both candidates come to this election without weighted political agendas.  Both candidates are focused on the educational well-being of our children in the Avon Grove School District - our future.  Without question, both candidates will make a responsible and positive impact as members of the Avon Grove School Board. 

If you are interested in having school board members with character and integrity who will provide a well-informed educational voice in our district, vote for Brian Gaerity and Patrick Walker.

Carolyn Hammerschmidt

Franklin Township