South Central Young Democrats Endorsement
As part of our endorsement process, this candidate has answered our questionnaire. Below are their verbatim answers.
2025
Multi column
Do you pledge to run a campaign that supports the values of the Democratic Party and to support Democratic candidates, where possible, in the 2025 Primary?
Yes
Info
County: Cumberland
Office: Schoolboard Member In Cumberland Valley
Incumbent: No
Vote For: 1
What is the most pressing issue facing the office you are running for and what do you plan to do to solve it?
Cumberland Valley School District is facing huge budget issues. Governor Shapiro’s historic investment in public education did not reach our school district — years of Republicans unwilling to invest in our schools means our tax rate was too low to qualify for additional funds from the state. That has led to huge cuts in our schools in support staff and specialties like tech education. I am the only candidate running who has worked in the schools, and I plan on bringing my experience and connection with the teachers and staff to the board to advocate for the things our teachers and students need to be successful.
Please outline two examples of how you are improving your community.
In my five years’ experience as a secretary at Middlesex Elementary School, I have always put the students first. I love getting to know them and their families, and helping everyone’s needs be met, both in and out of school. I am also the mom of two sons who attend Cumberland Valley Schools, and I have enjoyed my time as a lacrosse mom. There is a big sense of community in our Cumberland Valley sports teams, and I love being a part of it.
What would you do in office to benefit and help young people?
Everything I do is to benefit and help young people. Education is the most important intervention we can make in someone’s life, and the earlier every child feels supported and safe, the more successful they will become. I will use my voice on the board to advocate for every opportunity for Cumberland Valley kids, because every child deserves time in their life to explore their different interests.
What is an issue that you are passionate about and why?
I am very passionate about providing proper support staff to our teachers. I have seen firsthand how when a child is acting out, and there is no dedicated adult who can help them calm down enough to be safe to be around others, that time is taken from the teachers in the classrooms and from the administration. One day, a 5 year old student was acting unsafe and unable to regulate himself. It took his teacher, the principal, and me a combined total of 6 hours to calm him enough to go back to class. We need support staff trained for these situations so that teachers, and therefore the rest of the students in the classroom, are not losing hours a day to address behaviors in the classroom.
What is the last book you read or what is your favorite book?
My favorite book is My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante
Is there anything else that you would like the Young Democrats to know about you or your campaign?
Thank you so much for your consideration.