NAB-NHA course outline - Nursing Home Administrator (NAB) Updated: 2023

There’s no question that skills and knowledge related to various networked forms of storage – such as storage area networks (SANs), network-attached storage (NAS), virtualized storage, and even storage as a service (STaaS) – are in high demand. Also, IT professionals interested in data center or network-backbone-related positions are likely to need strong storage chops.

Average salaries for storage engineers are consistent (and lucrative) across several job-related websites. For example, SimplyHired reports the average nationwide salary is a little over $107,600 in a range starting at $74,085 and climbing just over $156,000. Potential earnings reported by Glassdoor are higher: The national average salary is just over $165,800, with the low end of the range at about $110,000 and the high end close to $182,000.

In some ways, the state of storage certification perfectly mirrors in a single subject area (or perhaps a closely clustered collection of related subjects) what occurs across the full spectrum of information technology. Some vendor-neutral storage certifications are available, particularly those from the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) and Arcitura. Also, there are numerous vendor-specific storage credentials available from providers of storage systems and solutions, including Cisco, Dell EMC, Hitachi Data Systems (HDS), HPE, NetApp and Sun/Oracle, among others.

Like other IT certifications, vendor-neutral credentials recognize broad competency in design, implementation and management, while vendor-specific programs tend to match up with technologies active IT professionals interact within the workplace (or that they’d like to interact with for prospective employers).

How is a storage-minded IT professional supposed to pick a winner here? Name recognition is one factor. Big name and big company certifications tend to attract higher numbers of certified individuals, lending more credibility to such certifications.

Popularity with employers is another consideration when selecting a certification. In our informal survey, we searched several online job sites on a given day for specific storage certifications. Note that the Cisco CCNP swamps the other certifications because its coverage goes well beyond storage. (The CCNP Data Center specialization involves storage to some degree, but it does not focus only on storage.)

Job Board Search Results (in alphabetical order, by certification)

Based on name recognition and job board surveys, our picks for 2019 lie with Cisco, HDS, NetApp and SNIA. One item noticeably absent from the leader board this year is the Brocade storage program. This gap in the lineup isn’t for lack of popularity. In fact, quite the opposite is true as the job board search yielded over 3,000 employers seeking candidates with Brocade experience and certs. Unfortunately for certification seekers, after Brocade was acquired by Broadcom, its exams, accreditations, certifications, and instructor-led training are no longer available. However, many free web-based courses remain that cover Fibre Channel Storage Area Networking products for professionals seeking to expand their Brocade knowledge and skills.

The following sections explore each of the preceding certifications and/or programs.

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Classes are held at Veale Center in Donnell Pool.  The cost is $225.00. Public welcome!

Attendance, full participation, and successful completion of written and practical tests are required to receive certification. We also offer recertification classes.

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DUBAI—Amid growing hopes of beginning the long-delayed certification effort for its 777-9 flagship, Boeing is providing initial details of how the process will be structured.

The 777-9, which is making its second appearance at the Dubai Airshow, is targeted at entry-into-service in 2025 having endured several sizable delays. Issues during early flight trials and increased regulatory scrutiny have held back type inspection authorization (TIA) from the FAA—a move that will mark the formal start of certification.

Although the FAA will not grant TIA until it is confident the airplane is ready and Boeing has addressed all design and system safety assurance questions, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President Stan Deal tells Aviation Week that the milestone is approaching. “I anticipate shortly we’ll be at the first phase of type inspection authorization on the airplane and getting the FAA and eventually [the European Union Aviation agency] on for score for all those test cards we’ve been flying,” Deal says.

“We’re over 1,100 flights on the program already and 3,200 [flight] hours, so we’ve we put more time on this airframe and engine combination than any other airplane in history [in terms of Boeing pre-certification flight tests]. The performance is looking good in terms of the fuel burn and system functionality,” Deal says.

“It’s super exciting that we're getting to that point in the program,” says Heather Ross, project pilot for the 777X and lead pilot for WH001, the first development aircraft which is in the flight display here at Dubai. The aircraft was used earlier this year to complete company testing of takeoff performance and velocity minimum unstick (VMU) evaluations, a campaign which determines the minimum takeoff speeds for a new aircraft.

“VMU testing was a big step. We also completed some brake testing—we've got a little bit more tuning to go but that's all kind of progressing at pace. We've also got some other stability and control (S&C) testing as we evolve the flight control laws and as we make some changes we’ll go out and re-do that phase,” she adds. “The whole program is involved in focusing on trying to get some of those safety assessment reviews completed and the paperwork closed out so that we can document it—then we can work through completing the remaining items before TIA.”

While the additional S&C work will be undertaken by the second test aircraft, WH002, the brunt of the certification effort will be performed by the third test aircraft, WH003, which originally joined the program in August 2020. “That is really our engine and steady state performance airplane,” Ross says. “They're getting ready, and they'll be the first up when we do get TIA because that's the majority of the work that the initial certification is going to take place on. So they’re getting spooled up ready to go.”

“WH003 has got propulsion testing, so they’re going to have the most up-to-date software and hardware on that airplane, so they'll be first in the barrel as it were for the certification effort,” Ross adds. The aircraft will be configured with the production standard GE9X engine with an updated combustor liner, which has been upgraded to counter issues encountered a year ago. “One engine issue we found through the test program on the combustor liner, which GE Aerospace has got well in hand,” Deal adds.

The third aircraft has been used primarily to evaluate flight loads and performance of the auxiliary power unit, avionics and the GE9X engines. WH001, which first flew in January 2020, has taken the lead in testing S&C as well as high and low-speed aerodynamics. It has also been used for avionics, flight control systems and brake tests. The second aircraft—the entry of which into the program was also delayed until April 2020 by coronavirus-related precautions—was mainly targeted at autoland system work as well as ground effects testing.

A fourth aircraft, WH004, which is currently stored, incorporates a production-representative cabin configuration, and will ultimately finish its test role with a phase of extended twin-engine operations (ETOPS) and airline-like functionality and reliability operations testing.

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s effort to move Virginia way, way over to the right is over now. Back to governing, the lame duck announced a run of appointments on Friday, including three to the Virginia LGBTQ+ Advisory Board, which you just know he handed off to a junior staffer.

Youngkin, in name, at least, appointed Teri Crawford Brown, the CEO of Blackberry Winter, an Appalachian-based nonprofit, to the advisory board, along with Carson Cox, an associate attorney with the Richmond-based firm Troutman Pepper Hamilton, and Jeffrey Hoeflich-Nickels, owner of the Roanoke-based i77 Strategies.

Here’s to Youngkin actually listening to their advice.

ADMINISTRATION APPOINTMENTS

ADMINISTRATION

• Gillian Richmond, Special Assistant

HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES

• Jona Roka, Special Assistant

BOARD APPOINTMENTS

ADMINISTRATION

CYBERSECURITY PLANNING COMMITTEE

• Charles Huntley of Middlesex County, Director of Technology, County of Essex

COMMERCE AND TRADE

BROADBAND ADVISORY COUNCIL

• Jimmy Carr of Richmond, Chief Executive Officer, All Points Broadband
• Christian R. Goodwin of Mineral, County Administrator, Louisa County
• Ray LaMura of Richmond, President, VCTA – Broadband Association of Virginia
• Casey Logan of Boydton, COO, Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative and EMPOWER Broadband
• Steven Sandy of Vinton, Assistant County Administrator, Franklin County
• Richard Schollmann of Henrico, Executive Director, Virginia Broadband Industry Association 

COMMONWEALTH

VIRGINIA AFRICAN AMERICAN ADVISORY BOARD

• Monica Hall of Chesterfield, E-Commerce Director, Lincare Holding, Inc.

VIRGINIA ASIAN ADVISORY BOARD

• Minesh Patel of Powhatan, President, Owner, and Founder, Ram’s of Virginia, Inc. and Shiv Traders, Inc. 

VIRGINIA INDIAN ADVISORY BOARD

• Chief Walt Red Hawk Brown of Southampton County, Chief, Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County Virginia
• Brandon G. Thundercloud Custalow of West Point, Tribal Council Member, Mattaponi Indian Tribe and Reservation

VIRGINIA LATINO ADVISORY BOARD

• Roberto Jose Coquis of Falls Church, Deputy Director, Human Resources, Barbaricum 
• Eduardo Gil of Falls Church, Director, Capdesvilas Advisors

COMPACT 

LEGISLATIVE ADVISORY COUNCIL TO THE SOUTHERN REGIONAL EDUCATION BOARD

• The Honorable Mike Cherryof Colonial Heights, Member, House of Delegate, 66th District

DESIGNATED 

STATE REHABILITATION ADVISORY COUNCIL

• Becky Alwood of Midlothian, Occupational Therapist, Sheltering Arms Institute
• Heidi Lawyer of Glen Allen, Curriculum Support Specialist, Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)
• Brandy Schantz of Alexandria, CEO, Schantz Group

STATE REHABILITATION COUNCIL FOR THE BLIND AND VISION IMPAIRED 

• Jennifer Sellers, MAED of Harrisonburg, community volunteer

EDUCATION

BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER

• Steve Ahn of Damascus, Science Teacher, Washington County Schools

BOARD OF VISITORS OF THE VIRGINIA SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND BLIND

• Carolyn Berry of Charlottesville, Participant Coordinator, Independence Resource Center
• H. Cline, Jr., of Staunton, retired teacher and coach, Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind

BOARD OF VISITORS OF VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY

• General Dennis Via, Ret. of McLean, Executive Vice President, Booz Allen Hamilton

 STUDENT ADVISORY BOARD

• Arrow Brooks of Bristol, student
• Sarah Byman of Virginia Beach, student
• Elizabeth Cobb of Henrico, student
• Rafael Ibanez of Crozet, student
• Yordanose Moges of Fairfax County, student
• Preston Riddle of Halifax County, student
• Lance Toapanta of Salem, student
• Abubakkar Rahim of Stafford, student

VIRGINIA AMERICAN REVOLUTION 250 COMMISSION

• Gloria Marrero Chambers of McLean, Community Volunteer

HEALTH AND HUMAN RESOURCES

ADVISORY BOARD ON BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS

• Mark Llobell of Virginia Beach, Founder and CEO, Virginia Autism Foundation

ADVISORY BOARD ON POLYSOMNOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGY

• Ronnie Hayes of Richmond, Polysomnographic Technologist, VCU Health
• Hannah Tyler of Chester, Polysomnography Technologist, VCU Health

BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY LOAN FUND AUTHOIRTY 

• Monique Ford of Fredericksburg, CPA/Owner, Monique Valentine Ford, CPA
• Tyler Pieron of Fluvanna County, Board of Directors, Cominghomewell.org

BOARD OF LONG-TERM CARE ADMINISTRATORS

• Lynn Hall Campbell of Richmond and Gloucester, Regional Practice Administrator, Bon Secours/Mercy Health
• Latonya Dickerson Hughes of Hampton, Assistant Dean, Hampton University

BOARD OF OPTOMETRY 

• Corliss V. Booker, PhD, APRN, FNP-BC of Chester, Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Education Resources
• Shawn H. Hobbs of Richmond, Optometrist, Commonwealth Eye Care Associates

BOARD OF PHARMACY 

• Michelle E. Hoffer of Richmond, Attorney, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP

BOARD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY 

• Megan R. Bureau, PT, DPT of Winchester, Associate Professor, Director of Clinical Education, Division of Physical Therapy, Shenandoah University
• Srilekha Palle of Fairfax, visiting fellow, Independent Women’s Forum 

CHILD SUPPORT GUIDELINES REVIEW PANEL

• Nupur Bal of Manakin Sabot, Shareholder/Attorney, Bowen Ten Long & Bal, PC
• Christian Paasch of Alexandria, Executive Committee Chair, Virginia Chapter, National Parents Organization

OFFICE OF NEW AMERICANS ADVISORY BOARD

• Karina Martich, PhD, of Richmond, President, Berakah Inc.
• Daniel Villar of Henrico, Director for the Office of Ethnic Ministries, Catholic Diocese of Richmond
• Zarmina Yusufi, MD, of Fredericksburg, Internal Medicine Specialist, Stafford Hospital 

RARE DISEASE COUNCIL

• Gwen Traficant, Vice-Chair, of Fairfax County, community volunteer, caregiver

VIRGINIA BOARD FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES 

• Adrian Frierson of Mechanicsville, Director of Transportation, Hanover County Public Schools

VIRGINIA HEALTH BENEFIT EXCHANGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE

• Craig Connors of Toano, Senior Director of Payor Relations, Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association

LABOR

SAFETY AND HEALTH CODES BOARD

• Audrey Janosik of Richmond, Manager, Medical Program & Regulatory Compliance, Altria Client Services

LEGISLATIVE

BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS COMMITTEE

• Barbara L. Inman of Newport News, Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management, Hampton University
• Geneda Kearney of Chesterfield County, Academic Coach, Walden University
• Cameron Patterson of Farmville, Vice President for Student Affairs, Longwood University; Senior Partner for Strategic Initiatives, Robert Russa Moton Museum 

COMMISSION ON ELECTRIC UTILITY REGULATIONS 

• Howard Shafferman of Richmond, Founder and Principal, The Haswell Group, LLP; former Chief of Staff and Counselor, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission; Retired Partner, Ballard Spahr, LLP

CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND ETHICS ADVISORY COUNCIL

• Adam Kinsman of James City County, County Attorney, James City County

The Perkiomen Valley School Board race pits two teams of five candidates against each other and each team handily won at least one ballot line during the spring primary.

The “Vote 5 for PV” team took the five Republican ballot lines. That team consists of incumbents Matthew Dorr and Kim Mares, joined by Russ Larson, Heidi Brown and Jordan (Jay) Scott Cohen.

The “PV Forward” team took the five Democratic lines. That team consists of incumbent Laura White, Wayde Weston, Treena Sadler, Todd McKinney and Robert Liggett.

All candidates were invited through an article in The Mercury and social media posts to answer 10 questions in an online questionnaire, the first five of which asked about basic information like work experience and education.

As of the newspaper’s Friday, Oct. 27, deadline, Dorr, Sadler, Brown and Mares had not filled out the questionnaire.

The subject questions were:

1) What role would you like to see public schools performing for society heading into the future?

2) Do you believe the use of bathrooms, locker rooms and ability to play on school athletic teams should be determined by the sex assigned to a child at birth? Please explain why.

3) Do you believe the unpleasant aspects of American history — things like slavery, lynching and forced migration and suppression of the culture of Native Americans among others — should be taught alongside the nation’s more celebratory and traditional history? Why or why not and to what extent?

4) What is your opinion of the growing influence of outside organizations and political action committees in school board matters? Have you received contributions or endorsements from a PAC or PACs? If so, which?

5) Please outline your views on the use of vouchers, tax credits, or other sources of public funding, for use in paying tuition at non-public schools.

What follows are the responses of the candidates in the order in which they were received.

Robert Liggett

Robert Liggett, 54, lives in Perkiomen Township and has never held elected office before.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in youth and human services from Salem-Teikyo University and works as a CAD/CAM programmer for a local marble and granite company. “I create the programs for a water jet and saw to cut,” he explained.

“The role of public schools remains the same, to prepare our youth to be productive citizens, ready to further their formal education, join the military or the workforce. The students determine their path and we should provide the foundation for their success,” Liggett wrote. “Hopefully, they will gain a life-long love of learning and have the tools needed to be a positive influence wherever they go. They need to be prepared for the future. That future will be diverse and dependent on understanding and respecting others.”

On the subject of gender, bathrooms, locker rooms and athletics, Liggett wrote “sex assignment at birth is a snapshot of that moment. Growth and change from that moment is to be expected. Children as they grow may vary from what a binary society expects. In 1973 the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality as a disorder and in 2015, same-sex marriage became legal in the US. Transgender people are at a similar moment,” he wrote.

“Our mission as a school district is: ‘We cultivate an inclusive community of learners empowered to grow intellectually, socially and emotionally.’ Based solely on our mission, we should support the rights of transgendered people as part of our inclusiveness and support their rights to be a full part of the community without being segregated or diminished.” Liggett wrote. “Federal law, specifically Title IX, and precedent-setting case law in our federal district (Doe vs, Boyertown School District) supports the rights of students to use the facilities that matches their gender identity. This is exactly how restrooms work in the rest of our society in the public sphere. I would argue that not allowing people to use the restroom that aligns with their lived gender identity would cause more problems and discomfort for everyone. The policy restricting facilities by gender assigned at birth, is unenforceable, illegal and immoral. That some people are uncomfortable with this says more about them than the transgender youth just trying to relieve themselves.”

Liggett further added, “PIAA rules state that the decision of whether a person can compete on an athletic team that is specific to a gender lies with the principal of the school. While not a perfect system, it allows for many factors to be considered by the principal before allowing someone to compete in athletics. I understand the discomfort in this, but this also allows for a girl to play football. Since the rules need to be the same for all schools, we should not place additional restrictions on our athletes that go beyond what PIAA has in place. Our treatment of transgendered people should and must be seen through the lens of civil rights. Denial for the sake of the comfort of some is the path away from equal rights for all. History tells us that identifying an “other” and restricting their rights is the first step towards widening restrictions.”

On the subject of unpleasant aspects of American history being taught, Liggett wrote “Absolutely they should be taught. Our history is a mixture of things all of which affect our understanding of where we are and where we came from. The entire history, warts and all, gives a better understanding of why things are and gives a better perspective on how we should take those lessons and apply them today. We carry the burden of history with us and choose today to make decisions that will hopefully reflect better on us in the future. “

“While it is invigorating as a candidate to receive endorsements and financial help from outside/larger groups; it is disturbing how much money is now needed for school board elections,” Liggett wrote in response to the question about the growing influence of political action groups. “Everyone is on notice that school boards, especially in purple districts, need much more money to counter this. In this election, people are aware of this and are becoming donors to help even the playing field.”

“Our PV Forward campaign has the support of many local elected leaders and party organizations including PACs of local officials and groups. We are especially proud of the support of our district’s teachers’ union, PVEA. Our local teachers, the ones we entrust the education of our children to everyday, have endorsed all of the candidates of PV Forward,” Liggett wrote. “Based on that endorsement the state organization, Pennsylvania State Education Association SEA has given financial donations to our campaign. Our campaign, PV Forward, is proud of the wide range of support we have received. While we have large donors, I am especially proud of the many small donations. These show that we are reaching the people that will be most affected by our election to the board.”

On the question of vouchers, Liggett wrote “I am firmly against these kinds of measures. I advocate against the diversion of funds away from public schools. Those who get funding from the public taxes need to be held accountable to that public. Private schools are not accountable to the public for its use and it is not an equitable use of public dollars,” Liggett wrote. “When my parents chose for me to have a Catholic education, they did not expect a government handout to support that. These measures undermine public education.”

Russ Larson

Russ Larson, 54, did not provide his municipality of residence and has never held elected office before.

He holds a bachelor’s degree, although he did not provide the institution that issued it, and has worked for 30 years as a professional and executive in “sales operations” and “Information Technology” in the healthcare industry with a focus on outcomes.

Larson wrote the purpose of public school is to “educate students in core subjects, civics, and prepare them for any of the different pathways (college, trades, military, volunteering); ensure students receive balanced lessons for any syllabus that include politics; ensure curriculum is grounded in established, non-partisan, standards.”

On the question of whether the sex assigned at birth should determine bathroom and locker room use and participation in athletics, Larson wrote “Yes. Allowing biological boys to play on an all-girls sports team will harm girls’ ability to compete, earn scholarships, and love sports.”

Asked about whether and how unpleasant chapters of American history should be taught, Larson replied “Yes, as long as (1) the history lessons are developed by a non-partisan organization that is recognized by both Democrats and Republicans as non-partisan and as an acceptable source of those lessons, and (2) the materials are age-appropriate (i.e., they shouldn’t be overly graphic for a very young student) and (3) they don’t assign culpability to children and citizens that weren’t born before these events (i.e., we don’t ascribe original sin on children). New facts of past events are uncovered over time (so we can expect curriculum to update periodically) but educational historians should not apply revisionist history on lessons as part of a political agenda. I’ll reiterate that changes to curriculum must be vetted by recognized non-partisan organizations.”

On the subject of the growing influence of political action committees in school board affairs, Larson replied “I think it’s organic that outside organizations (including PACs) will insert themselves into school board elections. I don’t think they should hold any sway or influence on elected school board officials. My campaign received funds ONLY from parents/voters in the community and did not have any PACs contribute. I can’t affect endorsements from PACs as they make those decisions independently based on their values and how they perceive the candidates’ values. Both slates (Democrats and Republicans) received endorsements from PACs and political organizations that they couldn’t necessarily control. However, I am pleased that my campaign only took money from voters and not from organizations.”

Larson wrote “As a school board candidate, I recognize that I have no direct influence or say on vouchers or school choice initiatives. Certainly the fact that this is a potential for our state, it’s important for our schools to have a laser-like focus on improving academic outcomes for all cohorts (by looking at the data for the cohorts and by implementing the best curriculum programs) so that our schools are competitive if school choice became a reality in Pennsylvania.”

Laura White

Laura White, 42, lives in Skippack Township and is an incumbent school board member seeking reelection.

She is currently working to complete a bachelor’s degree from Temple University and has worked in real estate full-time since 2018.

White wrote that she “would love for public schools to expand the resources they are able to offer the communities that they serve — especially for those that experience food insecurity. Offering cultural and practical education are also potential avenues of growth. This would only be possible with state and national reform to provide more funding at the local levels.”

“It is my belief that every single child in our buildings should feel safe and supported in whatever manner that would be possible. If that were to extend to acknowledging and allowing a student to use the restroom that matches their self-identification then that should be afforded to them,” White wrote in response to a question about the district’s bathroom policy debates.

“Bathrooms and locker rooms and sports teams are all very different subjects. And each carry nuance. Privacy and protection and a safe environment should be the baseline for all decisions. There is a tremendous amount of fear and ignorance surrounding gender identity and biological sex- not just in our schools but also in our community and nation,” she wrote. “Only through educational opportunities and continued advocacy will we be able to move forward from this moment in history.”

Regarding the teaching of less pleasant chapters of American history, White wrote, “History, national and world, should be taught without censorship and in age-appropriate context of multiple points of view. Only when analyzing and debating the damages of global colonialism will society be able to ensure that atrocities of the past (and present) do not happen in the future.”

White wrote that “my campaign, PV Forward, and our PAC — Friends of PV Forward — has received endorsements from individuals and groups that align with our values, ethics and goals for governance. In some instances there have been monetary support associated with that endorsement,” White wrote in response to a question about the growing influence of political action committees in school board matters.

“The position of a school board director is volunteer and without fundraising and candidate coordination, running a successful bid for a seat would be impossible in todays’ political environment. All of our funding is public and transparent through normal campaign finance rules and practice. We are endorsed by: Rep. Madeleine Dean, D-4th Dist., state Rep. Joe Webster, D-150th Dist., state Rep. Matt Bradford, D-70th Dist., Collegeville Democrats, Montgomery Country Area 4 Democrats, Montgomery County Area 15 Democrats, PSEA-PACE, Perkiomen Valley Education Association, Skippack Democrats, Trappe Democrats. We have also received individual monetary contributions from friends, family, and community members,” White wrote.

Her response to a question about vouchers was succinct. “I do not support or believe in vouchers, tax credits or public funding for tuition at non-public schools.”

Wayde Weston

Wayde Weston, 64, lives in Collegeville Borough.

He was elected to the school board in 2017 and served on the board from 2017-2021.

He received a bachelor’s degree from Haverford College in 1984 and a Ph.D., from the University of Pennsylvania in 1989.

Weston worked as a Postdoctoral fellow/research assistant professor at Thomas Jefferson University, from 1989 to 1997, at GlaxoSmithKline from 1997 to 2015 and at Pfizer from 2015 to 2020.

“Public schools are the centerpiece of a strong community. We work at different jobs, attend different houses of worship, and take part in different recreational activities, but public schools are the one community institution where we all can come together,” Weston wrote. “The purpose of public schools is to educate and prepare our children to take their place as adults in our community and in our nation. Part of that preparation should be learning to celebrate our great community; honoring and respecting our differences while appreciating the strength that diversity can bring. That’s how I see the role of public schools going forward.”

In response to the question about gender and bathroom use, Weston wrote “Students should feel safe and comfortable in private spaces. Bathrooms and locker rooms should be set up to ensure privacy, and students need to respect each other’s privacy. If an individual doesn’t feel comfortable in a particular space, they can choose to use a different space, and we need to make sure that all students have access to spaces where they feel comfortable. But it’s a choice that the individual makes; you don’t make that choice for someone else. “

Weston wrote, “Athletic team participation is a complicated issue. The discussion is being dominated by issues concerning elite-level athletes and I think that’s a very different issue from the small numbers of trans students who just want to play and compete in sports that they love. The gloom and doom predictions of boys taking over the girls’ teams are not coming to pass; we are not seeing, for example, boys cut from the baseball team charging over to the girls’ softball tryouts. There are legitimate concerns about fairness in competition and PIAA needs to take the lead on this discussion. Until they do schools will continue to look at things on an individual athlete basis, and that unfortunately will continue to cause confusion and resentment.”

Regarding the teaching of unpleasant chapters of American history, Weston replied “I can’t remember who said it, but there’s a quote out there saying that America is the only nation in history that was founded on a good idea. And I think that’s true. I believe with all my heart that America is the greatest nation in the world, and that ever since our founding we’ve been a force for good in the world. But to continue to be a force for good means we must live up to our founding ideals, and unfortunately there’ve been many times in our history that we haven’t lived up to those ideals. When we teach American history, we need to teach all of our history; the times when we’ve been great as well as the times we’ve been not so great. We cannot change the past, but we can learn from it. Those learnings can help us to be an even greater America moving forward.”

Weston wrote that “endorsements from outside organizations or PACs can mean one of two things. They can mean that the organization supports the values your team represents. Or they can mean that the organization has an agenda they expect you to support. I and my fellow PV Forward candidates are proud to have been endorsed by our local Democratic party organizations and several of our local elected officials, as well as our local and state teacher’s unions. They’ve endorsed us because they believe in what we stand for, not for any expected quid pro quo.”

On the question of school vouchers, Weston replied that “public funds should be spent in ways that are accountable to the public. Non-public schools have no public accountability. Voucher programs undermine public education by pulling tax dollars away from the schools they are meant to support. States and communities have a responsibility to provide high-quality public education for all. Vouchers and similar programs are an abandonment of that responsibility.”

Jordan Cohen

Jordan Cohen, 65, is a resident of Perkiomen Township and has never held elected office before.

Cohen holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of Illinois in management and computer science. His “professional career has encompassed 43 years in electronic security and fire detection primarily in product design, engineering, application development and management.”

“I believe an increased emphasis in developing critical thinking through our core classes is essential. I further believe that at the high school level additional focus should be on classes instructing real-world skills, such as [embedded programing, graphic design, engineering, trades, life-skills (to name a few) must be further developed and become graduation prerequisites,” Cohen wrote. “Our students need to trial and understand what awaits them after graduation no matter what their pursuit path might be.”

“The usage of bathrooms, locker rooms, and athletics should be determined by biological sex assigned at birth for definition. Our children must feel safe and comfortable when they need to use bathrooms and locker rooms. For those who are uncomfortable with a multi-user facility for whatever reason, schools should provide adequate single-user facilities to accommodate needs beyond what has traditionally been accepted,” wrote Cohen.

“With respect to athletics, an unfair competitive advantage and in some cases an injurious situation exists as a result of biological males who possess greater strength competing against biological females,” Cohen wrote.

“Factual history is important and essential in understanding how America has evolved to where it is today. While some of the history points should be tempered at the elementary level, middle and high school students need to understand the real thinking and results from all sides. Allow the facts and culture of the historical moments to influence our students’ views,” Cohen wrote.

“With respect to school board matters, the voices and views of the local community are the only ones which matter,” wrote Cohen. “Outside of our own PAC (Vote 5 for PV), we have received no contributions or funding from any PAC. Vote 5 for PV has been endorsed by 1776 Project PAC.”

Cohen wrote that “our state school funding formula has been and continues to be broken. We currently have a situation where the public schools are underfunded, the state continues to mandate additional requirements and the district inevitably raises taxes each year. Until the state can properly fund the public schools, you cannot consider current funding pieces to be peeled off for those that seek alternative schooling.”

Todd McKinney

Todd McKinney, 58, lives in Collegeville and has never held elected public office.

He holds a bachelor’s in political science, and a master’s degree in education, both attained at West Chester University.

McKinney spent 33 years at Ursinus College as “associate dean of students, overseeing student engagement, serving as a member of the crisis protocol team, including emergency on-call duty rotation. Currently, McKinney is the director of community engagement and student program working with Charles Rice Memorial Scholarship program, Crossroads Mentoring program, Community Cooperation Program, also tasked with connecting students to the community and community organizations such as NGOs, local government, state government, national government, chamber of commence, school districts, non-profits, business leaders, etc.”

“The role I would like to see public schools performing heading into the future is that students understand that we are all interconnected globally and that we need to learn about the value of every person’s humanity. Our schools should help students, faculty, and staff develop communities of care that foster respect, understanding, kindness, and care for one another. To use the education attained in our school district to the betterment of all in our society,” he wrote.

“I believe that we cannot deny any student, faculty, or staff their humanity. We should try to understand the needs of all of our community members. I believe there is no one answer to the questions posed,” McKinney wrote. “I will answer the first of the questions about bathrooms, which should be according how the person identifies and not determined by sex assigned at birth. The questions about locker rooms and sport teams are not at issue in our district from what I know of currently.”

“American history… all of American history needs to be taught in schools,” wrote McKinney. “We need to teach facts and not niceties or feel-good stories about the nation’s founding to omit the mistreatment of marginalized groups.”

“I think we need to get back to school boards working as non-political entities. Unfortunately, that’s not where we are at in today’s world,” McKinney wrote. “Yes, our team has received numerous endorsements and contributions from local democratic organizations and the district’s teacher’s union.”

“If you want to break public education, then the use of tax dollars to fund private or charter schools, is the vehicle to do so… Every student is entitled to a quality public education, and we have to ensure that tax dollars are used to see this occurs,” wrote McKinney. “Vouchers and tax credits tend to harm the most vulnerable of our children who even with these forms of assistance still in many instances do not have the monetary resources to attend school outside of the public school system.”

McKinney also wrote “Communities need to come together around supporting the education of all children in the care of Perkiomen Valley. There is a divide along the lines of political, religious, gender identities, socioeconomic, etc. that hinder and harm students, faculty, and staff. I hope with all that has happened in Perkiomen Valley, we have the ability to pick up the pieces and repair the damage done to our community. “

Kim Mares

Incumbent Kim Mares, who did not give her age, lives in Skippack and has been on the school board since 2019.

She holds a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University and works as a special education advocate.

“Public schools should focus on how to educate students well and teach them the skills of critical thinking, persevering through challenging classes and/or sports, extracurricular experiences, character development and leadership skills, so they are equipped to contribute to the greater community in which they live,” Mares wrote. “Schools can best prepare and support students for post-graduation choices by providing them with an academically excellent education. A strong academic foundation is critical for the success of every student, regardless of their post-graduation choices. Our public schools need to prepare students for the next chapter in their lives after high school graduation.”

On the question of whether the sex assigned at birth should determine bathroom use, locker room use and athletic participation, she replied simply “yes” and offered no explanation for her views.

“What has happened in the past, is our history,” Mares wrote. “History can be taught in an age-appropriate way that doesn’t bias students but educates them. Critical thinking, looking at history from different perspectives, provides for robust, historical learning.”

On the subject of the growing influence of national political action committees, Mares wrote “I have not received contributions from outside PACs. Our slate has received an endorsement.”

Mares also wrote, “because a school director is not able to influence the use of vouchers or tax credits, I do not have a strong opinion about this. But, it is imperative that our public schools offer the best education available. This must be the goal of our public schools.”

Matt Dorr

Matthew Dorr, 51, lives in Skippack Township and currently serves on the school board.

He hold’s a bachelor’s degree in computer science from DeSales University and for more than 20 years, Dorr has worked in the medical device industry.

In his response, Dorr wrote that he sees the purpose of public schools to provide “a robust, and well-rounded education that prepares our children for a successful future.”

On the question of whether a student’s sex at birth should determine which bathroom and locker room they use and on what sports team they can compete, Dorr wrote “I do. There is ample evidence to support this, chief among it is the safety of our young ladies.”

“I think our entire history should be taught, both the good and bad. My concern lies in how complete the content is, and is it being taught to divide us, or unite us,” Dorr replied to the question of whether unpleasant chapters of American history should be taught.

“I’m aware of the breadth of outside influence is out there for local elections. Endorsements versus contributions are different. There have been groups endorsing candidates that were not requested by the candidates themselves. My ticket has its own PAC and has not received financial contributions from any outside PACs,” Dorr wrote.

On the subject of vouchers, Dorr replied “I firmly believe the money should follow the child.”