Mike Bordt: I’m a proud lifelong Mars resident and 2008 graduate of Mars Area School District. My wife and I feel grateful to be raising our two boys here—one in third grade and one eager to start kindergarten soon. For nearly 13 years, I’ve served as an Adams Township Police Officer, including seven years as the School Resource Officer at Mars High School. This community means a lot to me, and I love giving back through coaching youth baseball, hunting, and racing my dirt pro stock at Lernerville Speedway.
Joe Joswiak: I am a retired teacher of the Mars Area School District after 35 years. I earned my BS in Education from Slippery Rock University and a Master’s in Public Health from Pennsylvania State University. I have a daughter that is a current student in the district. As well as being a teacher, I have coached numerous sports at various levels over the years. Currently, I coach JR high softball for the district. I enjoy hunting, gardening, and spending time with family and friends.
The 228 Times: Why are you running?
Mike Bordt: I am a lifelong member of this community—born and raised here—and a proud graduate of our local high school. I care deeply about the future of our schools because I’ve seen firsthand what makes them special, and I want to help ensure they remain a place where every student can thrive.
As a police officer serving in this very community, I bring a strong commitment to safety, responsibility, and public service. I understand the importance of creating an environment where students and staff feel secure and supported.
Most importantly, I’m a parent. I have a son currently enrolled in the district and another who will be starting kindergarten soon. Like all parents, I want the very best education and opportunities for my children—and for every child in our schools.
I’m running for school board because I understand that strong schools benefit not only our children, but our entire community—impacting everything from student success to property values and overall quality of life. I believe in being actively involved, listening to the concerns of families, and working together to make thoughtful, balanced decisions that prioritize education and student well-being, while also respecting the financial needs of taxpayers.
The 228 Times: Why are you running?
Joe Joswiak– We both wish to continue to serve and make a positive impact for the students and staff of the Mars Area School district even though we are no longer in the buildings. As a retired teacher a good school system is paramount to the success of our youth and community.
The 228 Times: What’s your view on growth and development and its impact on the school district?
Bordt & Joswiak: Our community has experienced rapid residential growth, especially with new housing developments. While this expansion has led to some natural tax revenue increases, it has not fully offset the rising costs of educating a growing student population. Growth into areas like Middlesex Township will continue, and while we can’t control it, we can manage it responsibly.
Too often, the district has been forced to react to growth instead of planning for it. As board members, we will advocate for proactive, long-term planning to ensure our facilities, staffing, and resources keep pace with enrollment—while maintaining both educational excellence and fiscal responsibility.
Collaboration is key. The school board must maintain strong working relationships with township and county leaders to coordinate smart growth strategies that support our schools and community. We also need to explore additional funding sources—such as grants, state programs, and partnerships with commercial development—to reduce the burden on taxpayers while continuing to meet the needs of all our students.
The 228 Times: How do you see the role of the school board in community engagement?
Bordt & Joswiak: The role of the school board in community engagement is, at its core, about representation and trust. Board members are elected to serve the taxpayers, and that responsibility requires transparency, honesty, and accountability in every decision. It’s essential for board members to actively listen to all voices in the community, stay informed about what’s happening within our schools, and maintain a clear understanding of the community’s needs and priorities. Meaningful engagement builds stronger schools and a stronger community.
The 228 Times: What are your top two priorities if elected?
Bordt & Joswiak: Our two priorities are safety and ensuring every child in our district has the opportunity to thrive. With my background in law enforcement, safety will always be my number one priority. Students cannot learn—and teachers cannot teach—if they don’t feel secure. We will work to make sure our schools remain proactive in preventing threats, well-prepared to respond to emergencies, and focused on creating safe, welcoming environments for all students.
Equally important is rebuilding pride and unity across our community. We’ve all seen Mars at its best, and we want to help bring us back there by strengthening trust between families, schools, and the board. When we work together and make decisions that truly put students first, the entire community benefits.
The 228 Times: How should the district balance academics, extracurriculars, and finances?
Bordt & Joswiak: The primary mission of our district is education—learning must always come first. At the same time, extracurricular activities play a vital role in helping students develop teamwork, discipline, and other life skills, so it’s important every student has the opportunity to explore and pursue their passions.
As a school board member, we believe we must be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. This starts with transparency—families deserve to see how funds are used and how they directly benefit students, staff, and facilities. We will advocate for careful budgeting, reducing debt where possible, and making sure every dollar is spent effectively.
Our first priority should always be balancing the budget and cutting unnecessary expenses before considering a tax increase. That said, the district has a responsibility to provide a safe, high-quality education. Our approach will always prioritize students while respecting the financial responsibility of our families.
The 228 Times: What are your thoughts on the financial impact of cyber and charter schools on the district, and how should the school board respond?
Bordt & Joswiak: Mars has an outstanding staff, and it is the responsibility of the school board to ensure they have the tools and support needed to succeed. When our schools provide a high-quality education, families naturally want to stay in our district. While we respect that every parent has the right to choose the best educational path for their child, cyber and charter schools have a significant financial impact on our district, making budgeting challenging since we cannot always predict how many students will attend these institutions, or what each one of the many options will charge the district.
To address this, the district should develop a strong cyber program that meets the needs of families while keeping students in Mars for their online education instead of another institution. Additionally, the board should work collaboratively with other elected officials to advocate for fair and transparent billing from cyber charter schools. Currently, these schools can charge the district without accountability for how those funds are spent. State legislation should ensure that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and equitably. Our goal is to make Mars the best educational choice for our students while protecting the resources of our community and the right for parental choice when it comes to their child’s education.