Alan Barone is running for the Highland School Board, where he has served for 21 years and is currently the President of board.

Barone said he is seeking a seat on the board, “to continue the programs and the school infrastructure capital project that the district is embarking on.”

Barone pointed out that he has served on numerous volunteer organizations in the town.

“I consider myself a good listener and someone who can make connections to move the district forward. My business background as a commercial building contractor will help in facilitating our current capital project,” he said.

Barone highlighted mental health, school safety and career choices for students as key issues facing the school district.

“If re-elected, I would continue to strive for the resources to maintain and increase our services for our students, such as social workers and mental health and school resource counselors,” he said. “I would work with our local government and police department to increase school safety by collaborating to fulfill a complete School Resource Officer position on each one of our campuses.”

Barone said he wants to provide choices for students beyond their high school careers.

“Our high school Principal, Kevin Murphy, has embraced the need for choices and recently the school held a college and career day where colleges, local businesses and the trade unions were available for student interaction,” he said.

Barone added that on a monthly basis, Principal Murphy continues to invite local businesses during his ‘Lunch and Learn Day’ to provide students with an insight into numerous careers that are available.

“This has been my focus recently on getting students to become aware of what occupations are available for them to pursue even if college is not in their future,” he said.

There are two school board members up for re-election to 3 year terms; Alan Barone and Heather Welch, who are running unopposed. Welch did not respond to an interview request from the Southern Ulster Times.