Adding Checks and Balances, Better Student Outcomes Goals for Newcomer

Seven candidates are vying for four seats on the Republican-controlled nine-member Bensalem Township School Board. 

(Patch is posting profiles of each of the candidates who responded to our questions). 

BILL NAZZARO, 38, a Democrat and Bensalem native, holds a Master's degree. He serves as a ruling elder and member of the session of Bensalem Presbyterian Church, finance committee chairman, and Sunday school teacher.
 
What best qualifies you for a term on the Bensalem Township School Board?

I care about this community and the schools. I am not only a homeowner but also an alumnus of the Bensalem schools (Belmont Hills, Armstrong and the Bensalem High School class of ’92).

What do you see as the big issues facing the district?

Ensure controls are in place so no-show jobs, stolen equipment, and illegal activity does not happen again.
We need to improve student outcomes. Standardized tests provide information used to judge the quality of education. It’s important that the school district shows that Bensalem schools are among the best in Bucks County. 

If elected, how would you work to handle those issues?

At my job, I investigate processes and ensure there are controls in place to ensure quality of clinical trial data for new drugs—we eliminate waste and increase efficiency. I would try to bring that same focus to the school administration to ensure that processes are followed, efficient and controlled.

What’s your position on the plans to spend $78 million renovating Bensalem High School?

Taxes have gone up several times in the last few years, and a major renovation is an added expense. The high school needs a renovation to repair long-neglected infrastructure, increase security, and improve pride among students who attend the school. I don’t yet know if the entire renovation is warranted. 

The public seems to have a degree of distrust of public officials following the recent scandal involving Bensalem Township School District current and former employees. If elected, how would you work to rebuild trust?

The board has to admit mistakes were made and show the public what changes have been implemented to prevent this from reoccurring. I have not heard how the board has worked to ensure our tax dollars are not wasted again. Now they want millions for the high school renovation. 

Anything else you’d like to add?

Remember to vote on Nov. 5!