Thomas D. Marro, who failed in two previous bids for the State College Area School Board, has decided to take a third swing.

Marro said he ran for a position on the school board in 1985 and 1987, missing a position in the second election by only 70 votes.

"I hope to get it right the third time; maybe it's a charm," Marro joked.

Marro has been an associate professor of special education for the University for 21 years. He said he moved to State College in 1966 to work at the University and place his children in a school district close to a university.

He worked as a speech therapist for four years in Quincy, Ill. before moving to Des Moines, Iowa. There he worked as a school psychologist, director of special education, and eventually as the director of pupil personnel services for 26 school districts.

I've been in teacher education, I've been in public school education and teacher training for 30 years," Marro said.

His four children attended State College area schools and graduated from Penn State.

"I think we have an excellent school district, but we're not keeping up with the rest of the world - we have to get going," Marro said.

Marro said drug and alcohol abuse in the district is his main concern, adding that State College's levels of abuse equal those elsewhere in the state.

"Abuse is a societal problem, but it's not just the responsibility of the schools," Marro said. "We need to instill strength into students by improving their self esteem."

Marro said there is no chance of the State College Area School District being world class if substance abuse problems persist.

Some additional concerns of Marro's include continuing education for adults, and the use of space for the district. Marro said he opposed the building of the $7 million pool facility being built by the State College Senior High School.

"We're not behind the world in swimming. We're behind in math and science," he said.

In addition to directing a program for the mentally retarded that was a contractual agreement between the University and the Department of Welfare, Marro also served as a hearing officer for the Secretary of Education for 15 years. His position included resolving disputes between parents and school districts regarding the appropriateness of programs for special children.

Marro said he plans to retire next year, which will give him time to devote to the school board.

Marro named his campaign committee: Fredrick Ciletti, chairman; Alice Kountz, publicity; and Charlie Hagan, treasurer.

Donna Geary, (senior-special education), said Morro has usually been readily available as her adviser.

"He's shown me alternatives when I've had problems," Geary said. "He's a good adviser."

Joseph French, professor of special education and educational psychology, said he first met Marro 15 years ago.

"He was very active in our programs," French said.

"I think that we have a fine educational program in State College, but we can't stand around and become complacent," Marro said, calling on the total community to make a committment to improve the educational system in the area. "We're educating kids not just for today, but for tomorrow."