Election 2025: Ashley Pierson For Hatboro-Horsham 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.

HATBORO / HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA — Ashley Pierson is running for a seat on the Hatboro-Horsham School Board in the Nov. 4 general election.

Pierson, a Democrat, is among eight candidates seeking five seats on the school board, which represents Hatboro and Horsham Township.

Several school board members did not seek re-election, and one, Erin Whalen, is running for Horsham Township Council.

The candidates are Republicans Jimmy Zuniga, Bernie Sousa, Eric Tilghman, Anthony Spangler, and Eric Grier. They face Democratic newcomers Madison Peace, Ashley R. Pierson, Katherine Kahn, Robert Jarvis, and School Board President Jennifer Wilson.

Biographical Information

• Name: Ashley Pierson
• Age: 53
• Town of Residence: Horsham Township
• Position sought: Hatboro-Horsham School Board
• Are you an incumbent? No
• What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Hatboro Borough and Horsham Township
• Party Affiliation: Democrat
• Family: Single mother of middle school-aged twin boys
• Education: BS in Business Logistics, Penn State University; MBA, LaSalle University
• Occupation: Associate Vice President of Client Success

Candidate Questions

1. How do you feel about the school district's recent tax hikes?

I understand the financial pressures families face and believe fiscal responsibility must guide every decision. While I recognize that maintaining high-quality schools requires investment, annual tax increases should never be the default solution. I believe in a thoughtful and balanced approach. I will prioritize transparency, sensible budgeting, and exploring cost-saving opportunities before turning to taxpayers. My goal is to ensure that every dollar spent directly supports student success and classroom needs.

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

I have a Bachelor of Science in Business Logistics from Penn State and an MBA from LaSalle University. I have a professional background in business strategy and management with a 30-year career in healthcare leadership, where I’ve successfully managed multimillion-dollar budgets, implemented operational efficiencies, and led large, diverse teams. These experiences will help me make data-driven, fiscally responsible decisions for our district.

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

Our district, like most, is facing ever-evolving challenges from attracting and retaining talented educators to balancing budgets amid rising costs and enrollment shifts. It is important that we prepare our students for a rapidly changing world by strengthening academic excellence, technological access, and social and emotional support. Collaboration between families, educators, and board leadership will be key to sustaining excellence while ensuring every child has the resources to thrive.