Meet Erin Stroup, A Candidate For Hatboro-Horsham School Board

HATBORO-HORSHAM, PA — As Patch continues its pre-election coverage, take the time to learn about Erin Stroup, a Democrat seeking a seat on the Hatboro-Horsham School Board.

Below, check out Stroup's responses to a Patch candidate questionnaire.

Age (as of Election Day)

47

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Wife, Megan
Daughter, Logan 15
Son, Kevin 12
Son, Ryan 10
Son, Brendan 5

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Undergrad Mansfield University
Master’s Degree University of the Arts
Educational Leadership California University of PA

Occupation

Educator, 24 Years
Building Administrator 1 Year

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

Facebook.com/HHParentsforstudentsuccess

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am focused on trying to help end the divisiveness in our community by focusing on our students, celebrating their successes and their differences, as well as supporting them in their struggles. I aim to support our teachers and administrators, as they continue to meet our students where they are now to give them the tools they need to be successful. I look forward to giving back to a community that has been so very important to me for the past twenty years.

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

Divisiveness within the community and partisan politics.
I intend to work with all members of the Board as part of a team, regardless of political affiliation, with a unified goal of supporting our students, teachers, administrators and families.

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

In my 25 years of experience of putting kids first on a daily basis, I see first hand every single day how many of our students are currently struggling, need support, need encouragement, and are in need of safe and supportive spaces. I also see how many of our teachers are also feeling the impact of the past two years. They also need our support and encouragement now more than ever.

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

I do not feel this board has failed. In viewing many meetings in many districts throughout the area, I believe our board and new Superintendent handled these unprecedented past two years to the best of their abilities with class and professionalism. Facing incredible adversity, they continue to keep the safety of our students and teachers at the forefront, while moving us forward into the future.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Getting back to results of Equity Survey (pre-COVID-19)
Increasing student success on mandated testing
Supporting Extra-Curricular Activities and Athletics
Supporting Teachers, Administrators, and Staff

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

Department Chairperson for 20 Years
Successful Educator, working with over 120 students at a time on my own (Understanding DI, Discipline, Students with Different Needs, Students from Diverse Backgrounds)

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t, you are right.

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

I have devoted every day of my professional career to helping kids and supporting teachers and families. I am now committed to doing that same thing in the district where my family has lived for 17 years.