Education
Graduates Degree in Education and Applied Behavior Analysis
Experience
15 years in education, specifically in special education
From the unsettling incidents elsewhere in Bucks County, I would urge the board to rework sections 113.1 and 113.2 to emphasize the use of evidence-based, ethical practices with frequent administrative oversight. Protecting our most vulnerable population; those who often cannot self-advocate, need protections to ensure their rights and dignity are upheld. Additionally, I would like to see increased correspondence with our state and federal representatives regarding continued special education funding for our local community during an uncertain time for the federal Department of Education. In order to focus on a strong Pennridge, we need assurances that the funding we rely on will not be interrupted or eliminated.
Yes, of course! Attendance is the bare minimum citizens should expect from their school board directors and candidates. At the most recent board meeting I praised the recent EDR increase; a stipend increase for coaches, directors, and teachers of extracurricular activities. School communities, especially #PennridgeProud, benefit greatly from the extra staff time and commitment in helping students' explore their interests. Our newest addition at Pennridge: girls flag football, is already drawing a lot of attention!
I hold undergraduate and graduate degrees in education, have 15 years of school experience specializing in IEP design and implementation, am a former social studies teacher, and maintain certifications as a Licensed Behavior Specialist (LBS-PA) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). I have 15+ years of experience supporting students with autism and significant training in conflict resolution and crisis intervention. More importantly, I’m a concerned parent who believes schools shape students as citizens and neighbors. I will approach decisions for our district and community with a level head, a focus on data, and a commitment to peer-reviewed research.
Education
1980-1984 BACHLOR’S DEGREE IN SCIENCE EDUCATION (Specialization in Mathematics) Widener University, Chester, Pa 1984-1990 MASTER’S EQUIVALENCY DEGREE (Over 30 Graduate Credits earned at various Universities) 2013-2015 MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN EDUCATION, Gratz College, Melrose Park, Pa
Experience
1984-2021 HIGH SCHOOL MATHEMATICS TEACHER, New Hope-Solebury School District, New Hope, Pa
I would like to examine the current Boy/Girl bathroom and locker room policies. I believe that a safe environment must be created for all students. We especially need to protect these environments for all of the biological females in the schools. No female should feel unsafe when using the bathrooms or locker rooms. I would also like to examine the current policy on appropriate reading materials for students regarding sensitive subjects. I feel strongly that a school is not the place to expose students to sexually explicit/inappropriate reading materials. I stand behind empowering "Parents To Parent Their Children" and "Schools To Educate Their Children." Parents must be informed at all times.
I have attended Pennridge School Board meetings since my children entered the school district in the early 1990's. I have also attended many School Board meetings throughout my 37 years as a public-school teacher. I am very familiar with the structures and procedures of the Board.
My educational experience spans over 35 years as a High School Math Teacher in a very high performing Bucks County School District. My career exposed me to Innovative Teaching Practices, Administrative Responsibilities, Critical Thinking Techniques, Curriculum Writing, Collegial Leadership, Budget Preparation, Teacher Mentoring, and Athletic Coaching. This experience equips me with skills essential for leadership on the school board. My campaign is not driven by a political agenda. It is rooted in my extensive experience as an Educator and as a Parent of two children who have passed through the Pennridge School District.
Education
Bachelor of Arts in English
Experience
Marketing Specialist
I would like to see a fair bidding policy introduced in Pennridge. The district should have more control over the vendors it selects to perform work on behalf of taxpayers. Some firms can take advantage of the process by underbidding and underdelivering on quality work, thereby wasting taxpayer dollars when the work needs to be fixed later down the line. Additionally, Pennridge also needs a policy like this to prevent taxpayers from paying for frivilous contracts like Vermillion Consulting in 2023. Our opponents' allies signed a contract with no cap on spending, full reimbursement for unlimited travel and meals, and no defined deliverables. We need a policy to protect taxpayers from being taken advantage of like this again in the future.
Yes, I have and am. At the most recent April board meeting, I spoke during the public comment period in support of Teachers that made a difference in my life when I attended Pennridge. I feel it's important to give our teachers, past and present, their proper recognition for all of their contributions to ours and our children's lives. Even when I haven't been able to attend meetings in person, I've been streaming them on the Ram News Network to make sure I'm up to date on the latest happenings. Of note, I'm concerned with the potential difficulties with funding that we will likely encounter as a result of the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Department of Education and online charter schools draining public school funds.
Most recently, I served as a Marketing Specialist for an e-commerce company. I have broad experience understanding budgets, planning, and communication. I graduateded from the welding class at UBCTS. I spent many years learning and crafting my trade, and understand the importance of supporting and growing the trades in Pennridge. During the early part of my career, I was also involved in education. I served as an assitant teacher in a kindergarten class for several years, and I worked as a facilities manager when not in the classroom. I have a compelling and deep background that gives me the skills I need to continue to build a school district that meets the needs of every student who attends.
Candidate has not yet responded.
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Candidate has not yet responded.
I would review all policies that have become a hindrance to parental inclusion, or create a safe space between district employees and students that does not include the parents/guardians.
One of the latest policies that adds a burden to parents is 235.1 regarding 3rd party surveys and the opt-in/out procedure.
Another policy I would review is access to bathrooms, locker rooms etc, based on biological sex. At no time should a student be made to feel uncomfortable in any of these places.
Finally, the public school library should have age-appropriate books for students.
At no time should there be books containing sexually explicit pictures or dialogue available to minor children.
I have attended and spoken during public comment regularly at school board meetings since well before the 2022 election. I'm familiar with the structure and procedures of the board and continue to keep up with the recent changes the current board has introduced.
A school board shouldn’t be involved in the minutia of the day to day events but rather to operate at a higher-level creating policy that allows the administration, faculty and students to thrive while preserving accountability. I believe policies should be inclusive by reinforcing the roles of parents/guardians, being transparent in all decision making and above all else making the Pennridge School District the very best it can be.
With a common-sense conservative and stoic mindset coupled with 26 years as an IT Systems Engineer in the healthcare, pharmaceutical and municipal infrastructure fields, I have successfully led project teams consisting of personnel with disparate educational and professional backgrounds and experiences. My ability to relate to others with a calm yet blunt demeanor and open approach allows allows teammates to weigh in on decisions and have their opinions acknowledged and valued.
Education
BA History and Business Administration, Eastern Nazarene College, 1989; JD, Villanova University School of Law, 1992
Experience
Previously appointed to fill a vacancy on the Pennridge School Board 2021- 2023; over 20 years non-profit board governance experience in various capacities from higher education to charitable organizations
With its policy revisions and changes over the past two years, the current Democrat controlled Board has made it more difficult for parents in Pennridge. From bathroom policies to advocacy policies to third-party surveys, when faced with a choice to support parents or support a particular ideology, this Board has chosen activism over parental inclusion.
Additionally, while student enrollment has been on the decline, the current Board is poised to impose the first tax increase in the District in nine years. Serving fewer students at a greater cost is not fiscally responsible. Resources need to be redirected, equipping our students to meet the educational and workplace challenges they face, and not on social and emotional experimentation.
Having been appointed to fill a board vacancy from 2021 through 2023, I am familiar with the structure and procedure of the Board. Notably, one of the purposes of our School Board is to establish policy guardrails as the administration moves toward a directed goal. The Board doesn’t drive the car; the administration does, but the Board does put policies into place which ensure that the administration stays within the desired pathway.
I am a twenty-three year resident of the Pennridge School District. As a husband and father of four, I have a vested interest in the success of our schools. I believe in public education. As a trial attorney for the past thirty-two years, I know how to resolve issues, even with my adversaries. I bring a logical, rational and reasoned approach to problem solving. Additionally, I have over twenty years of experience in board governance with various non-profit organizations, as well as two years of prior experience on the Pennridge School Board.
Education
Associates of Fine Arts from Bucks County Community College
Experience
Laboratory management and veterinary technician
I would like to see a more robust policy on training for teachers handling mental health and behavioral issues in our schools. Mental health problems rank highest on issues for students according to the PSBA, and we should empower our teachers with the knowledge and training to support students struggling with their mental health. I have been pleased to see the district offering seminar opportunities for families to learn more about things impacting their children, such as social media awareness, but I would like to see more done to educate our teachers on handling these issues.
Yes. I appreciate the way the board recognizes outstanding students, staff, and community members during the meetings. I spoke during public comment at April's meeting in support of the increase to the Extra Duty Responsibilities pay for our extracurricular coaches and staff. These positions had not received a raise in 10 years, despite achieving successes such as high school ladies' soccer state champions. I was happy to see the board unanimously vote to approve this increase, as these staff members help our kids learn and grow outside their curricular studies, and they deserve to be appropriately compensated.
I am a former laboratory manager, where I primarily focused on process improvement, training, and compliance. There, I learned an understanding of balancing business needs with the needs of employees while working within a budget. I have lived in Bucks County for most of my life and now have a 5-year-old daughter entering Pennridge next year. I have built a career as a horse trainer and a vet assistant for an equine dentist in Bucks County. I interact with the community daily, and I get to be a part of identifying creative solutions that positively impact lives.
Education
BBA in Finance with a Minor in Healthcare Management, Temple University 2003
Experience
Skilled Nursing Care Consultant
I would work closely with Pennridge administration and teachers to ensure each policy supports all students equally. Specifically I would be interested in investigating two policies. First, Policy 105 relates to curriculum writing. I think it would be smart to add language that would prevent what occurred under the previous board, when five school board directors went against the advice of teachers and administration and allowed an outside consultant access to rewrite curriculum. Another policy I would like to look at is 115 related to the technical school. As much as possible, there should be flexibility in scheduling to allow students to take electives and foreign language at the high school, even if this means using online options.
I’ve regularly attended school board meetings since before the 2023 election, including both general and committee meetings. To support student success, board members should be active and engaged. One part of the general meetings I value is the Superintendent’s report. Dr. Berrios does a great job highlighting the accomplishments of our students, staff, and community. From sports wins to academic awards, recognizing teachers and staff members across various departments, and thanking community members—it’s inspiring to see people come together to celebrate Pennridge.
In addition to being a resident of the district since 2004, I have three children who attend Pennridge schools. I have a degree in Finance and work as a consultant in skilled nursing. Skilled Nursing is among the most, and perhaps the most regulated industry in the nation. This makes me no stranger to operating an organization within the funding constraints we face today as a district. The Commonwealth has placed unfunded mandates on our district and we must work together to achieve a successful budget that will promote academic achievements in Pennridge.
