Below is my press release that appeared in the Record Herald in April 2011:

Pat Heefner, of Washington Township, has announced her candidacy for re-election to the Waynesboro Area School Board. She also serves on the board technology and budget committees, and is a member of the negotiations team. Heefner is also serving a four-year term on the Joint Operating Committee (JOC) at the Career and Technology Center, the first woman ever to do so. A Republican, she has cross-filed on the Democratic ticket.

“In my 3+ years on the board, I have learned much, but still have much to learn. Belief in this community, this school district and public education has been the driving force behind my decision to run for another four-year term.

“I feel the biggest issues for the board are 1) providing the best possible education for our children with dwindling state and federal monies, and reduced local revenues because of the economic downturn, 2) seeing that the too-long deferred maintenance of district “infrastructure” is done, and 3) settling the teachers’ contract.

“Balancing our budget should be a combination of reduced spending that is least harmful to the educational process, possible transfer from the general fund, and, as a last resort, an increase in the millage rate. My goal is to offer a well-rounded education that stubbornly refuses to knuckle under to the federal and state educrats who have turned our public schools into testing machines. My board position on the JOC has only served to reaffirm my belief in the value of vocational education.

Heefner, 67, attended 19 different schools while traveling around the world with her military family. Her father retired in 1958 to her mother’s hometown of Waynesboro. She is a graduate of Waynesboro High School and attended Shippensburg University. Heefner was a secretary in the district for 25 years, all but two spent in the Waynesboro High School library. She considers herself to be a life-long learner. In 1998 and 2000, she participated in the district facilities review committees. She and her husband, Jay, have two daughters and two grandsons.

“Being a board member of the Antietam Watershed Association and Renfrew Institute for Cultural and Environmental Studies has helped in my desire to be a team-player and efforts to respect another’s point of view. I was elected by the voters of Washington Township, but my most important constituency are the children of the Waynesboro Area School District. We are not only charged with guiding them in their journey to become well-educated citizens, but also well-rounded members of society. Good schools and a thriving community go hand in hand.

“In the last 3-1/2 years I have voted my conscience, and in what I felt was in the best interest of the children on our district. In some decisions, the board had to abide by the rule of law. My actions of the last years are a matter of public record. I feel I am honest, forthright and approachable —If you call or email, I will reply.

If re-elected, I hope to continue to be a good steward of the educational and financial future of WASD.”

This site is a work in progress. I will be adding thoughts on what is

on everyone’s mind -- taxes and potential cuts to balance the budget.

Please stop back.