VOTE411 Voter Guide

As the only true Democrat on the ballot for WSSD School Board Director in Region 3, I am proud to have earned the endorsement of the Swarthmore Democratic Committee. I have lived in the WSSD district since 2008 and am raising two children here. Professionally, I am a Pediatric Gastroenterologist at CHOP, where I care for a diverse population of children, advocating daily for their health and access to equitable care. Locally, I have served as a member and chair of the Swarthmore Human Relations Commission, promoting inclusion and belonging in our community. Running for school board is a natural extension of my lifelong work- supporting children, families, and communities.

I believe that my role as a public servant is to champion the voices of students, teachers, and families. That means that we create a shared vision of WSSD's future together. I will strive to foster a sense of belonging for every student and staff member and to listen to all voices and points of view. I believe in thoughtful and practical evidence based policies that promote academic excellence and allow all students and staff to flourish.

I envision a district where all students feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive, where educators are valued and heard, and where our community remains united in its commitment to quality public education.

1 - Ensure that equity, inclusion, and belonging are at the heart of decision-making.

2 - Promote academic excellence through evidence-based policies.

3 - Support mental health and well-being across the district by championing the voices of students, teachers, and families.

The qualification that is most important to me is that I have two children who successfully began and graduated from this district. Both went on for further education, one attends an Ivy League University, and one attends a Trade College- so I bring to the table perspectives from a parent of two different learning styles and two different outcomes from our district. Both participated in many extra-curricular activities from arts to sports. I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Villanova University in Political Science. I am experienced in small business management, staff management, working in education, small and large budget management, working for a not-for profit, as well as large scale construction project management.

I am all about transparency. I understand that the current board has made things more transparent than they were in the past, but in my opinion, much work still needs to be done. One way this can be done is in timely responses to email received and addressing important questions in real time during board meetings.

1. Budget, budget, and more restraint on increase to tax. We owe 40+ million dollars and are paying this down at 1+ mill/year. We are behind on all facility upgrades. 2. WSSD is a public institution and thus should be a HOME for every child and family in the district regardless of income, learning level, or background. This home must include our faculty and staff who are essential to making the institution a home. 3. Planned upgrades and plan to upkeep for sports facilities so they don't fall into the disrepair. The past 10-15 years many have. Initiative and creative thinking need to be done around how best achieved. Long term strategic plans made by currently employed and paid staff is needed.

The qualification that is most important to me is that I have two children who successfully began and graduated from this district. Both went on for further education, one attends an Ivy League University, and one attends a Trade College- so I bring to the table perspectives from a parent of two different learning styles and two different outcomes from our district. Both participated in many extra-curricular activities from arts to sports. I have a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Villanova University in Political Science. I am experienced in small business management, staff management, working in education, small and large budget management, working for a not-for profit, as well as large scale construction project management.

I am all about transparency. I understand that the current board has made things more transparent than they were in the past, but in my opinion, much work still needs to be done. One way this can be done is in timely responses to email received and addressing important questions in real time during board meetings.

1.Budget, budget, and more restraint on increase to tax. We owe 40+ million dollars and are paying this down at 1+ mill/year. We are behind on all facility upgrades. 2. WSSD is a public institution and thus should be a HOME for every child and family in the district regardless of income, learning level, or background. This home must include our faculty and staff who are essential to making the institution a home. 3. Planned upgrades and plan to upkeep for sports facilities so they don't fall into the disrepair. The past 10-15 years many have. Initiative and creative thinking need to be done around how best achieved. Long term strategic plans made by currently employed and paid staff is needed.