Election 2025: Nicole Khan Running For Council Rock School Board

Candidates running in the May 20 Primary for Council Rock School Board have been invited to provide background about themselves and their positions on the issues in these profiles, which will appear individually for each candidate who participates.

WRIGHTSTOWN, PA — Incumbent Democrat Nicole Khan is running for re-election as a cross-filed candidate, meaning her name will appear on both the Democratic and Republican ballots, for a seat on the Council Rock School Board representing Region 9. She faces Republican David Espenshade who is running on the Republican ballot.

Region 9 includes all of Wrightstown Township and Newtown Township voting districts 1 and 2

Biological Information

Name: Nicole Peet Khan

Age: 45

Town of residence: Wrightstown

Position sought: Council Rock School Director

What Towns Does your Position Cover: Wrightstown, Newtown Township Districts 1 and 2

Party Affiliation: Democratic (cross filed)

Family: We’re a multi-generational household, with my son, mom, and adopted 3-year-old Lab at home!

Education: Master’s Elementary Education

Occupation: Domestic Engineer

Questions:

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

I am running to continue representing School Board Region 9, which includes Wrightstown Township and Newtown Township Districts 1 & 2. As a parent of a current Council Rock elementary student, a former teacher, and active member of the PTO, I have brought firsthand experience and knowledge to the board. During my time on the board, I have taken on leadership roles as co-chair of the facilities and education committees.

My priorities are always based upon providing the best public education for every student in Council Rock in a fiscally responsible manner. Every decision I make as a current board member is based on what is good for students and our community. In the past year my priorities included: implementation of full-day Kindergarten to begin in the Fall of 2025/26 school year; working with CHOP to become a Heart Safe School designated district - ensuring life-saving procedures and emergency preparedness in every school in the district in the case of a cardiac emergency; reinstating the Safe Touch program to our district - an age-appropriate program offered to our 2nd graders on body safety; and ensuring consistent attention to special education by making it a standing agenda item in the education committee meetings.

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

I will continue to listen to our community members and work with our superintendent to solve any issues that arise. Parents and taxpayers have asked about recent changes in the federal Department of Education and what effect they may have on funding for the district. It is too early at this point to know the answer to that question, but I want to assure the Council Rock community that our current board is committed to protecting public education and ensuring every student has the resources they need to succeed. I will continue to ask for updates from our administration and keep the community informed as we learn more.

How would you prioritize the numerous capital projects facing the district including the future of the Chancellor Center?

Council Rock is a large and complex district, with many needs. We must make both short-term and long-term decisions through a thoughtful, deliberate planning process informed by demographic, architectural and engineering analyses. Our decisions about capital planning must be based first and foremost on student safety and educational needs. All of our decisions are determined by what we as a district can afford, while providing the best educational opportunity for our students.

Discussion still continues on the future of the Chancellor Center. With the information we have been provided to date, it seems that the most fiscally responsible choice is to renovate it. We now are waiting on further investigation of the scope of the project from the two firms. Newtown Elementary and Maureen M Welch Elementary are in need of significant capital improvements, so it makes sense that they will be the next up for renovations. In the long term we need to think about planning financially so we are ready to take on renovations at our high schools when they are needed.

I know many of us moved here, like I did over 20 years ago, and continue to stay here because we know great schools make great communities. Even if you don’t have children in the schools today, Council Rock’s reputation helps keep your property values strong. I am committed to keeping Council Rock great for our students and our entire community.

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

As the world around us continues to change and evolve, especially in the area of technology, the district must stay informed and knowledgeable. An example is the use of artificial intelligence in education. We are currently working with MIT and other leading experts to become informed and make decisions that will be in the best interests of our students. I will continue to advocate to ensure that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive in our district.