Jennifer Wilson, Democratic Hatboro-Horsham School Board President Seeking Reelection

HATBORO-HORSHAM, PA — Patch continues its pre-election news coverage with a profile of Jennifer Wilson, the current Hatboro-Horsham School Board president who is seeking reelection in November.

Below, see how Wilson responded to a Patch questionnaire.

Age (as of Election Day)

44

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Husband Michael, two daughters in high school

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BS Biology from West Chester University

Occupation

Sr Specialist in Change Control for Merck (18+ yrs in pharma)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

School Director for Hatboro-Horsham SD

Campaign website

Horshamdems.org and hatborodems.org

Why are you seeking elective office?

I believe that I have and can continue to make changes that will improve our district.

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

Falling rankings, I will continue to support the review of curricula to see where we may be better able to support students as well as examining practices and policies throughout the district to ensure that all students are able to be supported in their education.

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

I am not seeking this office because of political power. I am seeking to be re-elected to this office because I believe in public education and would like to do everything I can to improve the district.

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

I believe that some people on the board in the past have failed in their positions as school directors by not showing up and participating in meetings, reading materials that they are voting on, and undermining the board by releasing confidential information to the public.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Equity, transparency, fiscal responsibility, supporting staff of the district.

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

Hiring a well qualified superintendent from a district which is currently ranked in the top 10 in the state.
Increased transparency by having the board meetings recorded & posted on the website.
Low tax increases and lowest increase in expenditure in 10 years while completing large capital projects.
Refinancing of two bonds saving 2.4 million.
Review and approval of math curriculum in an effort to improve student performance.
Improvement of communications with the introduction of a new app for the district, cleaning up of the website, issuing Board Notes, increase of social media use for the district.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Work hard, stay humble

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

I will fight to ensure that we welcome and empower all students. I want parents/guardians to be partners with the district and would like to find more ways to encourage engagement with them. I would also like our staff to feel valued.