Election 2025: Leann Hart For Bensalem 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.

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — Leann Hart is running for a seat on the Bensalem Township School Board in the Nov. 4 general election.

Hart, a Democrat, is among eight candidates running for four, four-year terms on the nine-member school board.

The candidates are Republicans Marc Cohen, Sheldon Per, Abby Koss, and Lee Schum. They're squaring off against Democrats Kate Pascucci, Leann Hart, Rachel Fingles, and Rodger Allen.

Biographical Information

• Name: Leann Hart
• Age: 40
• Town of Residence: Bensalem Township
• Position sought: Bensalem Township School Board
• Are you an incumbent? No
• What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Bensalem Township
• Party Affiliation: Democrat
• Family: One daughter
• Education: Bensalem High School, class of 2003; B.A. in Economics from Dickinson College
• Occupation: Data Analyst

Candidate Questions

1. How will the middle school debate impact the school board race?

After eight years of debate over what to do with our aging middle school buildings, the board has still not called for a vote. During that time, costs have gone up, and the buildings have continued to deteriorate. Bensalem needs board members who can make responsible decisions—not ones who keep putting them off.

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

I have a degree in economics and have worked as a Data Analyst since 2008. I’m skilled at sorting through large amounts of information to find what really matters, and presenting it in a way that’s easy to understand.In recent years, I’ve also served on several boards, including the non-profit Children First PA.

There, I saw firsthand the work that is being done to address the funding crisis facing public school districts in PA. Our team worked with lawmakers, educators, students, and community leaders to push for fair funding and policies that strengthen public education and ease the burden on local taxpayers.

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

Without a doubt, funding is Bensalem’s biggest challenge. Costs for special education and charter school tuition keep rising every year, yet the Republican board has failed to rein in spending or plan for the long term. In recent months, unpredictable support from state and federal budgets has only added to the uncertainty.