GIOIA FOR PV SCHOOL DIRECTOR
My name is Frank Gioia and I am running for School Director of the Pleasant Valley School District on the Republican ticket. I would like to take the time to introduce myself.
My family and I have been residents of Kresgeville since early 1994. My wife, Josephine, a former teacher, has been working as a program director at a local childcare center. We have two children, Joseph and Rosa. They both attend Pleasant Valley Schools. In addition, my parents also live in the Kresgeville area.
I have a B.A. (December, 1987) from Queens College (City University of NY) in Accounting and Economics. I have over 17 years of accounting experience. I own a small local accounting and computer services company since 1999. Currently I’m a controller in a start-up technology manufacturing company in Allentown. I’m a member and the Financial Secretary of the Sons of Italy West End lodge.
My experience ranges from helping the small local business owner to working with a multi-million dollar company. I hope to bring my business experiences to the board. As an accountant, I am very familiar with budgets and financials. I believe I can add insight and discussion to future issues.
We all have a vested interest in our district. I have an appreciation on a few levels.
1. As a parent – I want the best possible education for my children
2. As a resident – School District Tax is one of our largest tax bills.
3. As a son of retired parents living in the district – I can appreciate the tax burden that we are asking retired households to bear.
A school district has some similarities to a business. Its customers are our children. Its owners, so to speak, are the tax payers of the district to which the board is accountable. A districts success is measured by student achievement as opposed to a business’ profits. Like great companies, quality of services should far exceed minimum standards.
With respect to major issues, I don’t believe that
Act 72 is in the best interest of the district nor its people. The major concern is with the likelihood that enough gambling
income would be generated to reduce our taxes.
Considering the actions of our neighboring states to allow
gambling, the draw to Pennsylvania will be that much more limited. The potential for higher taxes because of the Act is more
likely than not.