2021 Candidate Profile: Laura Viel, Central Bucks School Board

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Laura Viel is running for Central Bucks School Board Region 8, which includes Doylestown Borough and parts of Doylestown Township.

Other candidates running for the seat include incumbent Daniel Ring and challenger Tabitha Dell'Angelo.

All three candidates are cross-filing and will appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots.

Related: Primary Election In Doylestown: Who's On The Ballot?

In Pennsylvania, municipal primaries are set for May 18, with the general election scheduled for Nov. 2.

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

Party Affiliation

Democrat & Republican

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Doctorate-Educational Leadership -Delaware Valley University; MA - Curriculum/Instruction-University of Michigan; BA Elementary and Art Education-Fresno State; Leadership Certificate-Gifted Education University of Pennsylvania; Principal Certification-Lehigh University.

Occupation

Over four decades in education, including 25 years at Central Bucks School District: PreK-12 Classroom Teacher; Emotional Support; PEN; Education Admin; Curriculum Development/ Supervisor; Higher Ed Student Teacher-Developer/Coordinator/Supervisor; Instructor Undergrad/Grad/Doc-DVU-Ed Dept

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have been encouraged by those who know my work, commitment and dedication to education, to continue serving CBSD as a School Board Director; trusting me to address their concerns and issues important to CBSD, responsibly, as if each child is my child and each decision is personal, as a mother, teacher and/or community member.

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

The single most pressing issue facing our CBSD is vetting and hiring a strong Educational Leader as Superintendent with a track record worthy of CBSD learning community values and principles, prepared through education and experience to lead CBSD forward through the impact of this challenging time focused on academics, health and safety, social and emotional well being of our children and those who care for them.

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

The other candidates have strong assets to offer. The major difference is extensive years of experience in Education PreK-Higher Ed; over 25 years in CBSD.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

My vision is to facilitate a robust students’ first agenda, grounded in open, welcoming, inclusive, transparent discussions and communication with and from the board by: Listening respectfully to and asking questions of all who would be impacted in our learning community; Learning purposefully, becoming well informed and thoughtfully prepared; Acting intentionally to collaborate options based on what is best for meeting the needs of all learners, providing access, resources and opportunities. I am a Dedicated, Experienced Educator, Compassionate and Determined to continue supporting all contributors to CBSD, consistently pursuing excellence, focused on the students in our community, building and bridging toward the future.

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

Other than my vast experience as an educator and in education, most recently DVU Educational Leadership courses in : Educational Leadership Change; Economic Development; Planning and Managing Financial Resources; Community Partnerships/Public Relations; Faculty/Academic Governance; Policy Development/Analysis; Leadership/Diversity/Societal Change; Legal/Ethical Leadership taught by experienced respected experts in their fields, have taught me when applying what I've learned, what clarifying questions to ask when gathering information in decision making.

Research in Intercultural Competence - the ability to relate to others respectfully, humanizing relationships; work with DA Matt Weintraub and The Peace Center - Police and Community Relations; Pearl S. Buck's Welcome Workplace Ed Program; A Woman's Place- Lean-In Circles; Girl Rising and DVU's Woman Summit.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Listen respectfully - Learn purposefully - Act intentionally.

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

First Generation college graduate of immigrant grandparents. Grew up through the promise and ripple effect afforded my brothers and me through public education. Family values of hard work (we all worked at starting at early ages), humanizing respect for others and a sense of humor always saves the day.

Beyond my education and experience, I am dedicated and determined, leading with purpose, respect, compassion and sense of responsibility for the opportunities given me to continue modeling, promoting and supporting the power and ripple effect of education. My students may remember this quote and a core Viel-value always hanging in my K-12 classrooms and now shared with Higher Ed adult students: “The world needs dreamers…And the world needs doers…But, most of all, the world needs dreamers who do.” Unknown.

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