Candidate Profile 2021: Paula Barson, Council Rock School Board

NORTHAMPTON, PA — Paula Barson, a senior speech language pathologist, is a Democrat running for School Board Director of the Council Rock School District out of Region 3.

Barson, the mother of three Council Rock graduates, said she will keep the safety of children in the school district as one of her top priorities if elected as Director. Keeping children in school while also be another priority for Barson, as she knows the benefits of children having a real school experience.

If elected, this would be Barson's first elected or appointed office.

The general election will take place on Nov. 2.

Here's Barson's profile, as filled out by the candidate:

Age (as of Election Day)

57

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Husband- Lee Barson
3 children- Molly (27), Noah (25) , Jeremy (22)

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BS in Communications Disorders - Penn State University
MA in Speech Language Pathologist - Temple University

Occupation

Senior Speech Language Pathologist - 32 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

N/A

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/PBfor...

Why are you seeking elective office?

I moved to Northampton because of Council Rock and stayed because of Council Rock. All 3 of my children went through this district and I have always been proud to be a CR parent and community member. Now that my children are grown I have gained an even greater perspective on the impact the school board can have not only on our students, but on every member of this community. I want to keep our children safe and in school, work to strengthen the infrastructure of all of our facilities, and support students on every step of their journey, preparing them for whatever path they choose once they leave Council Rock. By doing this we take care of our children and our community.

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

Aside from the multitude of issues associated with teaching and learning in a pandemic, the top issue facing our district right now is the mental and physical health of our students as we continue to navigate COVID-19. The top priority is to have a plan in place that allows students to stay in school, safely in buildings that meet the standards of this community. I follow the science and I believe the district should follow the recommendations of the PA Department of Health, the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Bucks County Department of Health. This is the best way to ensure our classrooms stay open, our kids stay safe and together, and that the focus can return to the education of our children.

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

I will not comment on my opponent. I have chosen to run a positive campaign focusing on the strengths and needs of our district.

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

N/A

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The demographic of our district is changing, slowly, but it is changing. We need to be cognizant of that change and meet the needs of the entire community. Because if people don’t feel safe and seen they will not want to stay here. I want to follow and expand upon the guidelines laid out in the strategic plan.

The mental health and well being of our students is also a priority. I want our kids in schools safely, socializing with their friends, and participating in the activities that they love. This has been an incredibly tough year and a half for our entire community, but especially our kids and I intend to use my time on the board to fight for the wellbeing of every child and provide a well-rounded education. This includes a focus on a robust STEAM education and continuing to foster skills and opportunities for our students, whatever their path following graduation.

I also want to focus on infrastructure. We have the funds to make the necessary renovations to all of our Council Rock facilities, especially Richboro Elementary school. We need to make these updates to meet the high standard that families in Council Rock expect. This will also ensure that our property values remain high and the community is taken care of.

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

I have many accomplishments in my professional background that have prepared me for this position, but the number one experience that has prepared me the most is working hands on with the students and families in this district. In my capacity as play director at Rolling Hills Elementary, Richboro Middle and Holland Middle schools, I had the opportunity to work with a community of young people who came together to make something together. When I direct, my goal is always to lift every child's voice and make them a true part of the process. I intend to be that same voice on the school board.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

The loudest voice does not always have the most to say.

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

School is where children spend most of their day during the week. It should be a place where they feel safe and can thrive in an environment where they are comfortable. When children don’t feel safe and seen, all aspects of their lives are impacted. In their time in school, they are not only learning a prescribed curriculum but also how to make friends, how to advocate for themselves and others, how to make good choices, and that as much as we seem the same, we are all very different. This district has an obligation to educate the whole child; socially, mentally, and emotionally. But this is not only about what the children are learning right now, but how they are being prepared for the future; when they graduate and leave the cocoon of this district and go out into a bigger world. Everybody has a story to tell, and everybody should tell their own story. This is how we learn from each other and this is how we ensure that all our students know that they are important, beautiful, valued, and worthy. It is also how we ensure that this district remains strong, that people want to live here, and that our property values stay high.