Duffner wants to continue on boardBuildings in good condition

EPHRATA - Larry Duffner said his work is not done on the Ephrata School District Board of Directors.

Duffner is incumbent for Pos. 4.

"I feel that we still have issues and items that we can work through as a district, for kids, and obviously the job's still not done in the district," Duffner said. "Its an ongoing challenge of things."

Duffner said two of his sons attended school in the Ephrata School District, and now he has grandchildren in the district.

"It's very encouraging to see them and to be able to hopefully be positive influences," he said.

Qualifications Duffner has for the position include going through an array of situations in the district during good times and bad times as a board member since 1991.

"Really the bottom line (is), what's best for the kids," he said. "Try to keep that in total focus. No matter what comes up, what is the best thing for kids in the whole scheme of things?"

In addition to being on the board, Duffner has been a leader in his church.

He said citizens should vote for him because of what the board has accomplished during the years.

"We're down to basically no debt or very little debt in the district," he said. "Basically, we've acquired Parkway, we've started Sage Hills alternative school," he said.

The district has adequate room for children, according to the most recent survey conducted, Yenney said. As such, the district does not qualify for the construction of new buildings. The district deals with the situation by utilizing finances in the best way possible and maximizing available space, he said.

The biggest challenge facing the district is the statewide challenge of the WASL and how it is evolving.

Another challenge is the community's changing demographics, which requires different programs and new ways of doing things.

When asked how the district can improve facilities, Duffner said maintenance keeps the buildings in good condition. The high school was built in 1985.

"We take pride in the fact that yes, it is an older building, but we do our best to try to keep it up," he said.

Duffner would like to see a constant reference in the district to what is best for the children and how the district can better serve them.