Nazareth Area School Board new member wants technology in the classroom

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

New classroom technology and continuing quality education are goals for the newest Nazareth Area School Board member.

Michael Woodland, 45, of Upper Nazareth Township, on Wednesday evening was selected in a 5-1 vote to join the board, filling the seat of late board member Thomas Maher.


Board member Chris Miller was the lone dissenting vote. He instead nominated Hayden Phillips, a U.S. Marine holding a master’s degree from Lehigh University.

Maher, 61, died Nov. 30. He ran unopposed in the Nov. 8 general election and last month was scheduled to be sworn in to a four-year term.

"Obviously in this situation, it's an unfortunate situation with the passing of a board member," board President Lorin Bradley said. "I think we were fortunate there were several individuals that came forward that met the qualifications and would have contributed in some way to the board."

Woodland can run in the next municipal election. Whoever wins the election would finish the remaining time on Maher's original term.


Woodland, co-owner of Allentown-based Dan's Camera City, is a 1984 graduate of Emmaus High School and a graduate of the Antonelli Institute of Art and Photography. He will represent Region 2, which covers the eastern district of Upper Nazareth Township and all of Lower Nazareth Township.

Woodland is a member of the Nazareth Area School District Advisory Committee and has volunteered at Nazareth Area High School, assisting students in various photography techniques.


His daughter, Mallory, attends Shafer Elementary School, where Woodland is a member of the Parent Teacher Association. He said he continues to be interested in new technology in the classroom.


"I recall writing essays on a manual typewriter, looking up information in old encyclopedias," he said in his application. "Today, my daughter, in first grade, has virtually unlimited multimedia information at her fingertips. Preparing her to effectively utilize these tools is extremely important, and a continuously evolving challenge."

Woodland said he wanted to join the school board after attending board meetings and seeing firsthand what was important to the public. He said making decisions will be tough, noting the board must team with administrators, support teachers and staff to provide for students, encourage parental participation and be cognizant of the community’s needs.

"All of these differing groups must be balanced and coordinated to ultimately deliver the best possible education to the students of the district," Woodland said. "Kids only go through school once, we do not get second chances."

Woodland said balancing budgets despite a decline in state funding will be challenging. The board must continue quality in education despite losses in aid while managing enrollment growth, he said.


"I realize I am coming on to the board at a time likely to be filled with tough decisions and I expect to have to work hard to gain a consensus from all the parties involved on how we tackle the challenges and maximize the opportunities," Woodland said.

Woodland was selected among five candidates. Phillips, attorney Robert Pinel, Colleen S. Vought and Robert A. Pruznik also applied.

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/nazareth/index.ssf/2012/01/nazareth_area_school_board_new.html