Meet James Bender, Candidate For Central Bucks School Board

NEW BRITAIN TOWNSHIP, PA — James Bender is running for Central Bucks School Board Director Region 5, which includes Chalfont Borough and parts of New Britain Township.

Mariam Mahmud, a practicing pediatrician, is also running for the seat. You can find her Patch profile here.

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

Age (as of Election Day)

42

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Wife: Dr. Carrie Bender, D.O.
Children: Ashton (18), Katrin (8), Corbin (8), Vivian (6)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Central Bucks West High School (1997)
Gwynedd Mercy University (2016): B.A. History with Certification in Secondary Education and Special Education

Occupation

High School Social Studies Teacher - 5 Years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

New Britain Township Parks and Recreation Board - Chairperson

Campaign website

https://www.friendsofjamesbender.com/

Why are you seeking elective office?

We need a school board representative that understands education and can actively work with teachers and administrators to develop solutions that provide the support our students need. This past year exposed the divide between our School Board and the community at the expense of our students. As an educator myself I understand the multiple perspectives, challenges, and frustrations that our students and families are currently facing and feel this is my next opportunity to give back to the community in which I grew up.

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

The most pressing issue facing our district is the fractured relationship between the Board and community. The School Board should be a representative of the will of the students, the residents, and the staff, ensuring that all parties have a voice and are always welcome to share that voice, remembering that the Board is accountable to the residents. As a member of the Board, I will work to reestablish open lines of communication between the Board and the teachers, the families of this district, and all other stakeholders. I will implore the Board to invite experts to the table and work to improve transparency and openness with the decision-making process. I will work tirelessly to build relationships with the other Board Members to reduce the partisan divide that has eroded the trust within the community.

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

Of the candidates seeking election in Region 5, I am the only one with a degree in education and experience working with students throughout the pandemic. I hold a Degree in History along with a Certification in Secondary Education and Special Education, with experience in a variety of learning environments working with diverse learners. I am a founding member of my school's Student Wellness Committee, which works with the Bucks County IU and other resources to provide mental health and social-emotional support to students through research-based curricula. I have a long history of volunteering in our community through the PTO, local sports organizations, church functions, as a member of the Park and Recreation Board, and more. And prior to becoming a teacher, I spent over 15 years in the business world. These roles provide me with the unique set of perspectives needed to see our District's challenges from the perspectives of parent, teacher, and taxpayer, all while having a proven track record of working with a variety of people to develop creative solutions.

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

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

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

The best advice ever shared with me was:

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

My family and I have called Central Bucks home for generations. I am a graduate of CB West (Class of ’97). My wife is a local Primary Care Physician serving the medical and mental health needs of people in the community. Together, we have four children in the Central Bucks School District, ranging from a Kindergartener at Butler to a Senior at CB South.