Gail C. Ralston of Lawrence Township, Clearfield, recently announced her candidacy for the four-year position of School Director At Large for the Clearfield Area School District.
She has been in that position by appointment and by a write-in election campaign in 2013 to fill the unexpired term of David Glass. This year, she has cross-filed and is number five on both the Republican and Democratic ballots.
Ralston emphasizes that the role of school director is one of extreme importance for the school district. Nine local citizens vote each month to determine the educational direction and financial responsibility for Clearfield schools. She said, “I am asking you to help me take on the challenge and commitment as your School Director at Large for a four-year term.”
Prior to her service as a board member, Ralston attended the school board meetings for 1.5 years as a concerned citizen. She researched and presented information on topics that included the cost and construction of the administrative and maintenance buildings, current district building use and athletic needs and priorities.
She drew attention to the importance of libraries having certified librarians, as well as creating adequate cafeteria space and a fully accessible playground. She succeeded in getting the board to re-design the health room space to accommodate the new K-6 configuration.
Also, as a concerned citizen, Ralston was noted for thoroughly researching the various issues concerning the Clearfield Area School District and its students. She presented her findings during the “five-minute” citizen input session at each meeting.
In seeking answers, she contacted the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Council of Educational Facilities Planners, Clarion University Administration, certified real estate assessors, local contractors and construction owners, as well as officials of the PIAA (sports) and the school district.
While serving her current two-year term, she continues to research the agenda items and ask questions before each Board meeting. She said, “My vote is given based upon doing my homework. A board member must look at all items from many different perspectives, but the most important one is how will impact and improve education for Clearfield’s children.”
While serving on the board, Ralston questioned the adequate staffing of reading teachers to meet the needs of the students who are reading below grade level. Recently, she joined with the board in voting to strengthening the elementary staff to include a librarian and health instructor, as well as a part-time licensed practical nurse and additional secondary science and English teachers.
The inclusion of the library position had been a goal of Ralston since it was eliminated several years ago. She said, “To balance our educational policies, updated procedures have been addressed in hiring full-time and substitute teachers.” Also, Ralston successfully sought to have field trip descriptions include an education component for time that is spent away from the Clearfield educational setting.
Ralston and her husband, Fred, are life-long residents of Clearfield, and both graduated from the Clearfield Area High School. She is a Lock Haven graduate, with post baccalaureate work at Clarion. She retired from the Clearfield Area School District in 2006 after teaching fifth grade at Third Ward, the Clearfield Middle School and the Clearfield Elementary School.
Ralston said, “Test scores reflect both our students’ successes and areas for improvement. One of the best ‘gifts’ we can provide our children is the ability to read and make good decisions based on facts.
“In our changing world, fewer people remain in one job throughout their lives. They must change jobs and careers either by choice or by an ever shifting job market. They must have the skills to adapt to new technologies and become life-long learners.
“I want to continue to be involved in making a positive difference in the lives of our children through their education. With your help and vote, we can work on this mission together. One of my favorite quotes is from Helen Keller, ‘I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still, I can do something.’”
