Election 2025: Sheldon Per 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 — Sheldon Per is running for a seat on the Bensalem Township School Board in the Nov. 4 general election.

Per, a Republican, 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: Sheldon Per
• Age: 79
• Town of Residence: Bensalem Township
• Position sought: Bensalem Township School Board
• Are you an incumbent? No, but served on the school board in 2023
• What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Bensalem Township
• Party Affiliation: Republican
• Family: Married with three children and nine grandchildren
• Education: Temple University, bachelor’s in education; Bloomsburg University, master’s equivalency in education
• Occupation: Retired educator

Candidate Questions

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

We need a new middle school. As interest rates and building costs increase, it is imperative that we select the option that is cost-effective, doesn’t drastically increase taxes, and best suits the needs of students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades.

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

I have served the school district since 1969 as a teacher, class advisor, varsity boys and girls basketball coach, athletic director, and activities coordinator. I am in the Hall of Fame and serve on the committee, and was on the co-curricular committee when I was on the school board in 2023.

Additionally, our three children and three grandchildren are Bensalem graduates, and four grandchildren attend Bensalem schools.

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

Besides the need for a new middle school, there are the annual budget challenges. There have been large tax increases over the last two years. That cannot continue, especially for our senior citizens. Whatever decisions we make must be beneficial to our students and community.