Election 2025: Joseph Rooney For Abington School Board

Candidates running in the Nov. 4 general election are providing background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — Joseph J. Rooney is running for a seat on the Abington School Board in the Nov. 4 general election.

Rooney, a Republican, is among the candidates seeking school director seats.

The candidates are Democrats Adrienne Fletcher, Yaasiyn Muhammed, and Angelique Frazier, and Republicans Roy Bant Jr., Joseph O'Brien, and Joseph J. Rooney. Brian Allen is running as a Democrat/Republican.

Biographical Information

• Name: Joe Rooney
• Age: 67
• Town of Residence: Ardsley
• Position sought: Abington School Board Director
• Are you an incumbent? No
• What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Abington Township / Rockledge Borough
• Party Affiliation: Republican
• Family: Married 39 years, five grown kids
• Education: Temple University: BS Mechanical Engineering, USN Flight School
• Occupation: Captain B737 Delta Air Lines (retired), Lt. Col USMC (retired)

Candidate Questions

1. How will the middle school approval impact the district?

I led the fight to vote against the proposed $285 million bond issue in the primary election. Abington School Directors had no plan other than borrow the money and spend it. The current middle school has been neglected but is structurally sound. The district values this building today at $100 million. There was zero discussion on how this building could be renovated and improved. I estimate this could be done at half the cost of the proposed project in far less time. The Yes vote in April won by 411 votes. That is less than 1 percent of the electorate. We will all pay over $700 million over 30-40 years for this project. Yikes! We need to do what is best for the education of our children and carefully steward the tax dollars of our residents.

2. What educational background will you bring to the position?

I have a lifetime of experience to offer you. Most importantly, I have been a regular attendee of school director meetings for years and have a good understanding of both the strengths and weaknesses of our district. I have shared with the school district, directors, and anyone interested my suggestions, observations, and concerns. It has had a positive impact on our district. My background includes a Mechanical Engineering Degree from Cornell University, 23 years as an officer in the USMC flying fighters, working at the squadron, group, and USMC HQ and 30-plus years as a pilot with Delta Airlines. I have also captained our yacht Leprechaun for five years as my family sailed around the world.

3. What are the biggest challenges for the school district in the future?

The biggest challenges within the Abington School District are the ballooning budget and declining test scores. ASD focuses on buildings while many of our kids languish: Reading below grade level, performing math below grade level, and being shuttled up and out of our schools. They deserve better. We need to recognize our best teachers and focus on helping improve all teachers. The middle school project will cost us a 13.5 percent tax increase, but that is not the last school construction project. This current board is addicted to raising taxes and spending money. I wish they were addicted to improving the education of our kids.