Election 2025: Ashley Pierson For Hatboro-Horsham School Board

Candidates running in the May 20 primary 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.

HATBORO / HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — Ashley R. Pierson is running as a Democrat for the Hatboro-Horsham School Board in the May 20 primary general election.

Pierson is one of 10 candidates vying for five, four-year terms, including some who are cross-filing as Democrats and Republicans.

The candidates besides Kahn are Democrats Madison Pease, Robert Jarvis, Katherine Kahn, and Jennifer Wilson. They are also cross-filed as Republicans. The Republicans are Eric Grier, Anthony Spangler, Eric Tilghman, Bernie Sousa, and Jimmy Zuniga.

Four incumbent school directors are not seeking re-election. They are Erin Stroup, Tara Conner-Hallston, Maggie Kistner, and Erin Whalen.

Biographical Information

• Name: Ashley R. Pierson
• Age: 53
• Town of residence: Horsham
• Position sought: Hatboro-Horsham School District, School Director
• Are you an incumbent? No
• What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Horsham Township, Borough of Hatboro
• Party affiliation: Democrat
• Family: Single mother of twin 10-year-old boys
• Education: MBA, La Salle University; BS, Business Logistics, Penn State University
• Occupation: Associate Vice President, Client Success

Patch posed several questions to candidates regarding their positions on the local and national front:

1. How will you work to reduce rising tax hikes in every budget?

With over 15 years of experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets, I will advocate for responsible fiscal planning that prioritizes students while identifying cost-saving opportunities. I believe in transparency, efficient resource allocation, and exploring alternative funding sources to reduce the financial burden on taxpayers.

2. How will cuts to the federal Department of Education impact local school districts?

Federal cuts could impact programs such as special education, student services, school nutrition, and extracurricular activities. As a board member, I’ll work with district leadership to protect essential services and explore partnerships with state agencies and the local community. Navigating these changes will require collaboration and clear prioritization of district goals.

3. What education background will you bring to the position?

Early in my career, I served as a substitute teacher in the Philadelphia School District, where I witnessed the vital role collaboration plays among administrators, educators, parents, and the community. I also bring a strong background in strategic operations and leadership through my role as Associate Vice President and my collegiate education from Penn State and LaSalle University. Most importantly, I am a dedicated parent and school volunteer — serving as a homeroom parent, committee member, and active participant in the Home and School Association. I bring both professional expertise and a parent’s perspective to support our schools.

4. What are the biggest challenges for the school district in the future?

The district will continue to face challenges such as adapting to evolving academic standards, supporting staff retention and morale, and ensuring that every student has the tools and support they need to succeed. Building strong, trust-based relationships between families, educators, administrators, and the wider community will be key to meeting these challenges together.