Katie Gilmartin

What is your educational background?
I hold a BA in Theatre Production from Fordham University, Fordham College at Lincoln Center. I am a graduate of Scranton Preparatory School. My elementary education was in the Abington Heights School District.

Describe your commitment to ethics and open records on the school board.
A commitment to transparency is a cornerstone of my candidacy. I believe that information should be accessible and easy to understand. A comprehensive knowledge of policy and procedure and a dedication to upholding those standards result in fair, balanced, well-reasoned decisions.

What is your experience managing budgets or programs?
As a small business owner, I am always managing budgets, remaining fiscally prudent while maintaining and exceeding the standards we have set. From my work in the theatre to my involvement with numerous community projects and organizations where funds are often scarce, I have proven myself to be a creative problem solver and responsible steward of resources.

Describe your community leadership.
Currently, I serve as a trustee of the Scranton Area Foundation. I am an Impact Member of Women in Philanthropy, acting as co-chairman of the Entrepreneurship/Micro-Lending Circle. I am a Sustaining Member and Past President of the Junior League of Scranton through which our many projects allowed me to work with organizations including United Neighborhood Centers, Boys and Girls Club, Catherine McCauley Center, St. Joseph’s Center and Friendship House. I am the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Scranton Shakespeare Festival and serve as publicity chairman for The Society for the Preservation of the Tripp Family Homestead. I sit on the Advisory Council for Ballet Theatre of Scranton and am an ambassador to the Broadway Theatre League. Previously, I served on the Board of Directors of the Voluntary Action Center and was a member of the Friendship House Guild and served as President of the Everhart Associates. I have been involved with various events in support of the NEPA Philharmonic and the Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple.

What is the biggest issue facing Scranton schools and how would you address it?
It goes without saying that the deficit must be addressed. Savings must be a goal and it is imperative that we look for innovative and creative ways to increase funding so that our students have the resources they need to succeed without adding to the burden on our taxpayers. Additionally, I believe that strengthening communication among all interested parties will serve to increase transparency and accountability.

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