Meet Lisa Sciscio, Candidate For Central Bucks School Board

WARRINGTON, PA — Lisa Sciscio is running for Central Bucks School Board Director Region 4, which includes voting districts in Warrington and Warwick townships.

Jenine F. Zdanowicz is also running for the seat.

Here is Sciscio's profile, as filled out by the candidate.

Age (as of Election Day)

43

Party Affiliation

Cross-filing

Family

My husband’s name is Joe and we have been married for almost 18 years, together for 23 years. We have 4 children ages 2-16. Our school-age children attend elementary, middle and high school in Central Bucks School District.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My husband works for federal law enforcement.

Education

I have a BA in Legal Studies from Marywood University in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Occupation

I have been a Paralegal for 22 years.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None.

Campaign website

https://m.facebook.com/LisaSci...

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking the position of School Board Director because I care deeply about the ongoing issues our children are facing. Thanks to the many dedicated teachers in Central Bucks School District, my children have been the beneficiaries of the wonderful things that CBSD has to offer. However, I have witnessed their recent hardships firsthand, along with those of many other struggling CBSD students and families. These hardships have been largely caused by ineffective leadership when our children needed strong leadership the most. The decisions that the CBSD School Board make affect over 18,000 students. Accordingly, our board members should have a vested interest in the success of the school district that is beyond politics when making these decisions. Children and a thriving community are my vested interest. They should be everyone’s vested interest but, sadly, that is not always the case. The days of using school board elections as a political stepping stone or political weapon are over. Our community is demanding better. Being the 3rd largest school district in the Commonwealth, and largest suburban district, our district’s response to Covid-19 was in the spotlight. Because of that, we were able to learn alot about the current school board members over the last year. We learned much more than just how many of them mishandled our children’s right to education. As a result, we can see that there is much work to be done if we are going to keep CBSD strong and successful. We need leadership in our district that is willing to make the tough choices and put the needs of our children first.

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 ensuring that every child gets the stellar education that they rightfully deserve and that our entire community expects. CBSD students need the option of an in-person, full-day education, exceptional support for special needs students, strong evidence-based academics, and full access to extra-curricular activies that support the well-being of the whole child. These ideas may seem obvious but what this last year has shown us is that we can’t take for granted that this is what we will always receive. I cannot make these things happen alone. We need to elect people that will work together to bring these core ideas back to CBSD. My hope is that every member of our community investigates the candidates before they vote because there is no room for policitcal agendas on the CBSD School Board.

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

I operate in a manner that does not priotitize fear or politics over the needs of the children in the district. The overwhelming majority of families want their children in school for a full school day. Our district may be operational but we are not fully open. The families that need a virtual option, have access to it and I whole-heartedly believe they should continue to have that access. However, time after time I have heard from in-person elementary parents that their children need their concerts, clubs and full recess with access to their playground equipment, friends and fresh air. In addition to a full day, secondary parents want their children to have an actual lunch break. These are not impossible tasks. We must keep moving forward and rely on our local health department’s guidance. They have been proven right since June of last year when masks were optional and 3 feet of social distancing was appropriate. Our children can no longer afford to let anyone stand in the way of the progress we’ve made so far and the difficult decisions that still need to be made for the future of their physical and mental health.

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

N/A.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Budget transparency and accountability are vital right now. We are looking at an increase in school taxes over the next several years. I believe the community deserves to know and understand why.

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

As a paralegal in Bucks County law firms for 22 years, I have been blessed to work alongside many accomplished attorneys as well as clients from all walks of life. Often when people need legal assistance they are looking for leadership and guidance to help them solve a difficult problem. Nothing about helping people through the toughest times in their lives requires politics or agendas. Solving problems requires critical thinking, creativity, thorough research, compassion and teamwork. That’s exactly what I will bring to the CBSD School Board.
While I am proud of my professional experience, my greatest accomplishments are my children. Every single decision that I have made over the last 17 years has been made with my children as the priority. Each of my children are very different. They each have different needs and different goals. I have spent my years as a parent advocating for my children so that they each have the tools they need to succeed in school and in life. In doing so, it has made me an advocate for all children and I count that as a blessing. No matter how busy our lives became, my husband and I have always made time to advocate and volunteer for the benefit of not only our children, but the children in the community at large. Why? Because children are the future’s foundation and we have a reponsibility to properly guide and educate them. Seeking this seat on the CBSD School Board is an extension of that advocacy and continuation of my family’s service to the community.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Character matters and doing what is right is not always what is easy.

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