Candidate Profile 2021: Linda Palsky, Pennsbury School Board

FALLSINGTON, PA — Linda Palsky, a Democrat and current board member, is running for Pennsbury School Board Director in Region 3.

The other Region 3 candidates for a four-year position are Joanna Steere, Linda L. Palsky, Jennifer Spillane, and Tim Watkins; the candidates for a two-year position are Jeannine Delwiche and Frank Cabanas.

The general election is set for Nov. 2.

Here is Palsky's profile, as filled out by the candidate:

Age (as of Election Day)

68

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

husband, Glenn Palsky, MD.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

SUNY Adirondack

Occupation

Pediatric Registered Nurse

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Pennsbury School Board Director 1999-2011, 2020-Present

Campaign website

www.pennsburysuccess.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

Upon learning of the vacancy for Region 3 on the current School Board in late 2020, I decided I would like to once again serve my community and the district in which I live by volunteering to fill this empty seat. I am now seeking reelection to ensure our district not only provides equality in educational opportunities, but also equity in every aspect of student learning.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The immediate top issue is ensuring we keep our students and staff in the classroom for in-person instruction, safely and responsibly. We will need to address learning and mental health issues that stemmed from the past 18-months of the pandemic, all while remaining aware that we are not out of the woods yet.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My experience and knowledge speaks for itself. With more than 12 years experience as a School Board Director (including serving as President and Vice President), there is no other candidate running for this seat on the Pennsbury School Board with as much experience as I have managing the operation of a large school district with a wide range of issues and obstacles. I will continue to commit to providing the best and most equitable education possible to every student of the district, that our community can afford.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

I am the incumbent.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Diversity and Inclusion at Pennsbury is paramount. The district has already taken appropriate steps by hiring Dr. Cherrissa Gibson to serve as the Director of Equity, Diversity and Education, with the explicit goal of providing an equitable learning environment for every student in our district. We are fortunate to have her as a member of our administration, and I support her position and the very important work she's doing for our community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

During my tenure as a school board director, I served as President and Vice President of the Board, served as chair of several committees including the facilities committee, which oversees the district's infrastructure, and all construction and renovation projects. While Chair of the Facilities Committee, I oversaw the multi-million dollar renovation project of the Pennsbury West Campus and renovation projects at 7 of our elementary schools.

I was a board member when the School Board successfully resolved the most recent teachers' strike by negotiating and coming to an agreement with the Teachers' Union on their contract in October of 2005.

I have been closely involved with the interview process and hiring of 3 district Superintendents.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Always think about the students first, while keeping fiscal responsibility in mind in providing the best education that our community can afford.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I look forward to continuing my tenure on the Pennsbury School Board. I am humbled and honored at the opportunity to serve the district. I have years of proven experience and am committed to Pennsbury's Success.