Meet Christine Steere, A Candidate For Methacton School Board

LOWER PROVIDENCE, PA — Patch continues its local pre-election coverage with a profile on Christine Steere, a candidate running for a seat on the Methacton School Board.

See Steere's responses below to a Patch candidate questionnaire.

Age (as of Election Day)

49

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

I am a mother to a 2020 Methacton Graduate and a current Methacton High School Senior

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

JD from Temple University's Beasley School of Law and a BA from the University of Maine

Occupation

Civil Rights and Employment Attorney since 1999

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

care4methacton.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am a product of public education and I love this school district and community that I have called home for more than 20 years. As a parent to of two children in the Methacton School District and a long-time volunteer, I am running for Methacton School Board to give back to my community that has given so much to my family. I am a proud Methacton parent and I believe I have a skill set that would be useful to the Methacton School Board.

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

The single most pressing issue facing our District is improving the academic rankings and standing within the Commonwealth. To address this I believe this District needs to expand the academic curriculum and support programs offered throughout the District, continue to attract high caliber teachers to the District and address any learning gaps resulting from on-line learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

I believe in public education and the District's "whole child" approach to education. I believe that children learn best in school with their peers, but realize that the District must play a significant role in keeping its students safe in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and must address the needs of all Methacton students.

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

No Response

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Over the last four years, the CARE team has enacted full-day kindergarten, increased mental health services to Methacton students throughout the District, and has repaired and/or rebuilt previously neglected facilities all while keep the District's tax increase the fourth lowest in Montgomery County.

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

Although I have never held public office, I have worked with and represent municipalities and employers across Pennsylvania. As a result of my work I appreciate the District's fiduciary responsibility to protect the interests of taxpayers. It is important to balance student needs and costs, listen to constituents, and treat members of the public with respect.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Recognize that you don’t know everything and capitalize on every opportunity to learn.

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

I have lived in the Methacton School District for more than 20 years. I am a long-time volunteer within District since my girls were in elementary schools. I am a Board member on the Methacton Education Foundation, a non-profit working to raise funds to support Methacton's programs and curriculum. I am also a founding Board member of the the 4 Local Foundation, which promotes local business and raises funds for local charities, like Laurel House.