Election 2025: Cheryl Rickert For Council Rock 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.

UPPER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA — Two candidates are vying for a six-year term on the Council Rock School Board in Region 8. Voters will decide between Democrat Cheryl Rickert and Republican Hedy Ranieri. Region 8 includes voting districts 1, 2, 3, and 4 in Upper Makefield.

Name: Cheryl Rickert
Age: 41
Town of residence: Washington Crossing,
Position sought: School Board Director, Region 8
What Towns Does Your Position Cover: Covers Council Rock School District
Party Affiliation: Democrat
Family: Husband, Andrew, and two sons ages 8 and 10
Education: Undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Economics from an Susquehanna University and an MBA from Temple University
Occupation: Senior Product Marketing Manager

Questions

Why are you running for school board? If elected, what will your priorities be?

I deeply value public education and believe that when parents are engaged and advocate for our schools, it benefits not only their own children but every child in the district. With public education increasingly under attack and at risk of reduced national support, I felt it was important to step up and be a voice for our students, families, and community. With two children who will be in the district for the next decade, I’m invested in the long-term success of our schools. I bring the perspective of a parent, community member, and taxpayer — someone who cares deeply about both the quality and sustainability of our district.
My Priorities if Elected:
1. Put Students Over Politics: Make decisions that are data-driven, transparent, and always in the best interest of our students.
2. Strengthen Special Education: Continuously improve programs and services to ensure all students receive the support they need to thrive.
3. Fiscal Responsibility: With nearly a $300 million budget, we must remain focused on using taxpayer dollars efficiently and effectively. I am proud that Council Rock is one of the state’s highest ranked school districts, despite the fact that of 13 Bucks County school districts, our tax rate is the 9th lowest. We need to maintain strong fiscal discipline while delivering top-quality education that attracts families to our district and keeps all our property values high.

What do you see as the major issues facing the district and how would you address them?

Council Rock is a large and complex district, and we must stay focused on how to continually evolve and improve to best serve our students. The challenges we face include both short-term and longer-term priorities that require thoughtful planning and steady leadership.
1. Funding: With federal and state education funding increasingly uncertain, there is real concern that critical services and programs could face shortfalls. The most immediate challenge is the passage of a state budget to ensure there are no funding gaps that impact our schools. As a board member, I would advocate for proactive financial planning, transparency, and collaboration with legislators to protect the district’s financial stability.
2. Facilities Planning: Council Rock’s size means we have a wide range of facility needs across many schools. It’s essential to have a comprehensive, phased capital plan that addresses renovations, maintenance, and future rebuilding in a strategic and fiscally responsible way. I would prioritize long-term planning that ensures safe, modern learning environments without placing unnecessary strain on taxpayers.
3. Special Education: The district has made significant progress in strengthening special education programs, but continued focus is critical. We must ensure teachers and staff have the necessary training and resources, and that students receive the individualized support they need to reach their fullest potential. I believe in fostering collaboration between educators, families, and administrators to ensure our special education services continue to improve and evolve with student needs.
4. Curriculum Development: Continued curriculum development is essential to ensure every student is both challenged and supported. We must focus not only on those who need extra help or advanced opportunities, but also on the many students who benefit from strong, engaging instruction that helps them reach their full potential.

If elected, what would you fight to change, improve, or keep the same?

Keep the Same: If elected, I would fight to ensure that we continue focusing on measurable improvement in district results that reflect real progress in student outcomes. This means ongoing review of curriculum, ensuring educators have the right resources and training, and conducting program audits to make sure we’re delivering the best possible education for all students.

Change: One area I’d like to explore more deeply is the use of technology in students’ educational experience. Technology is part of everyday life, and teaching responsible, safe, and balanced use is essential. At the same time, excessive reliance on technology can impact students’ social, emotional, and academic development. I would work with the board and administration to better understand how technology is being integrated and managed to ensure it enhances learning rather than detracting from critical interpersonal and problem-solving skills.

Improve: We must continue striving for academic excellence and a well-rounded educational experience that supports every student holistically. This includes ongoing improvement of our special education programs and resources to meet diverse needs, as well as continued focus on academic rigor and achievement. Our goal should be for every Council Rock student to leave the district well-prepared for whatever path they choose next.