Know Your School Board Candidates – Michael Recchiuti

Michael Recchiuti’s Response

BASD Proud Parents sent out a brief questionnaire to all of the candidates running for school board so you may get a chance to know a little about them before you vote!

Please tell us your name and a little about yourself.

My name is Michael Recchiuti.  I am a proud product of the BASD, having attended Governor Wolf, East Hills and Freedom.  I am a partner in a law firm in downtown Bethlehem, and have been a practicing attorney in the Lehigh Valley for 20 years.   I was previously an elected member of Bethlehem City Council.   And most importantly, my wife and I are parents of a 4th grader at Hanover Elementary.  

Why have you decided to be a candidate for the school board?

I was appointed to the Board to fill a vacancy that occurred last year with the Region 2 Director.  I am running unopposed for a 4 year term for that seat.   I decided to apply for the vacancy because I was concerned about the direction of our schools.  Coming out of the pandemic, I feel that our children’s educational needs are different now.  Many children, including my daughter, missed out on some foundational education in their formative years.  We need to ensure that students are not falling further behind and that we give our teachers the means to get our children to grade level.  I am also concerned about the forces trying to use education as political fodder and our children as pawns in larger movement that will restrict our teachers and limit the free education of our children.  Finally, I believe that our state has not done nearly enough to adequately fund our schools.  We need a fair funding model in Pennsylvania, and the courts have agreed.  Fair funding will not only help our students, but our homeowners with lower property taxes.  

What is your view of the purpose of public education?

To provide all children with knowledge to allow them to become successful and well rounded members of society, and prepare students for their next step in life, whether it be trade school, college or a job. 

What are your top five objectives if elected to the school board?

In no particular order:  1. Advocate for a fair funding model from the state, and lower our dependence on local property taxes.  2. Ensure the safety of our schools.  3. Work to ensure that all students in our district receive a high quality educational experience.  4.  Work to modernize our schools and provide our teachers with the latest technology  5.  Work to ensure that our students have access to mental health services. 

Please list your volunteer activities within the school or your community.

My wife and I are members of our PTA.   I am active in the county bar associations and political organizations.  I have also served on numerous board and authorities over the years, including City Council, Parking Authority, and the Planning Commission. 

Have you ever attended a school board meeting?

Yes

If yes to above, under what circumstances were you there?

Parent, City Councilperson, and now a member

Would you be willing to meet with [BASD Proud Parents], on a regular basis, to discuss issues of importance to children and education in our school district?

Yes

Any closing thoughts?

Since I am running unopposed and will be elected to a 4 year term, I just want to let your group know that I plan to be an advocate for parents, students and teachers while on the board.  As an elected board member, I take seriously my duty to provide constituent service.  Please have your members feel free to reach out to me with any concerns they may have.