Thank you to Coal Region Canary for the opportunity to explain my position as candidate for the Blue Mountain School Board. I am a parent of two Blue Mountain District students, one graduated in 2022, and the other is currently at the East in fifth grade. My professional background is in accounting, with a BS from Penn State University and all the education classes and student teaching to apply for certification when I attended Alvernia University. Since the birth of our second child, I have been a home-based mom.
My desire to run for school board has come about not only as an ambition of mine, but from necessity. I have seen firsthand how the school board interacts with questions and concerns in the public forum. The lack of communication, transparency, and overall interaction has personally been disparaging. To spite being only one of very few people in attendance at the board meetings, I have repeatedly been told, this is not a question and answer session. My belief is it should be. If a parent takes their time to attend a meeting and has a concern that has brought them to that level, I’d like to know. Every question that can legally be answered, should be. Additionally, if more information is needed, the parent can be told, we will get back to you with an answer as soon as possible. Parent input is a valuable tool, and an open line of communication with those governing your school, is something every parent deserves.
People ask my agenda. I like to say I don’t have one, because often I think that’s the problem, hidden agendas and personal gain. My only agenda is the students and making decisions that benefit each child, both socially and academically. In the past few years, I have personally dealt a great deal with the special education department at Blue Mountain School District. Our special education department encompasses approximately 21 percent of our student body. Unfortunately, many children, not only at Blue Mountain are being academically left behind. Not because they lack intelligence, but rather they learn in a less mainstream manner. We at Blue Mountain must do a much better job with addressing our diversified learners. Every child not only deserves but is legally entitled to a free and appropriate public education. I would love to see those that wish to attend brick and mortar have a great educational experience. For those students considering or have already made the decision to leave brick and mortar, for another option, I’d like to know why and what we could do differently to accommodate and allow them to stay.
Our district, like many others, is at a critical point. Our district is currently faced with many challenges, that I expect will only grow in time. Staffing concerns, teacher shortages, budgeting issues, student behaviors, and too many more to list! We need board members who are willing to put in the time and do the required work. We have had many board members who have run for the wrong reasons and were not up to the challenge of running OUR district.
So why vote Troutman-Meisner? Can I promise to fix everything? I cannot, but what I can promise is to be your voice on the board, to listen and hear your concerns with respect and a desire to help. I can pledge honesty, and as much transparency as allowed by law. I can commit to working hard and placing your child at the forefront of all my decisions, while continually promoting a welcoming, safe, and challenging environment. I would be very appreciative of your vote on Tuesday, November 4th. Should I be elected you have my promise to always “watch over the nest”!
Megan Troutman-Meisner is a cross-filed candidate for Blue Mountain School Director in the 2025 Schuylkill County Municipal General Election.
Editor’s Note: Coal Region Canary does not endorse or oppose any candidate for public office. All opinions expressed in this editorial are those of the candidate. Any candidate appearing on the ballot in the 2025 Schuylkill County Municipal Election is invited to submit an editorial for publication. Details are available by contacting newscanary@gmail.com or by visiting this link.
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