Election 2025: Audrey Tashjian 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.

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA — Two candidates are vying for a six-year term on the Council Rock School Board in Region 6. Democrat Audrey Tashjian is challenging incumbent Republican Michael Roosevelt, who is seeking re-election to the seat. Region 6 includes voting districts 4, 8, 13 and 18 in Northampton Township.

Name: Audrey Tashjian
Age: 63
Town of residence: Churchville
Position sought: Council Rock School Board Director Region 6
What Towns Does Your Position Cover: Churchville, Ivyland, Richboro
Party Affiliation: Democratic
Family: husband, stepson (33), stepdaughter (27), son (18), dog (ageless)
Education: Harvard University (BA), Univ of Pennsylvania (MD)
Occupation: physician, Ob-Gyn

Questions

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

I am running for Council Rock School Board director because I want to protect the excellent education my own kids received and ensure that every family in our district continues to have access to a strong, well-rounded education. I want to preserve our property values, which are tied to the strength of our local schools. I feel strongly that school board policies and priorities should not be political and that the school board meetings should be a place where people feel safe to voice their concerns and feel heard.

One of the most important things I learned as a managing partner of our medical group is that although we may have differing opinions, we can generally reach a consensus due to our shared goal of patient care. In the case of the school board, our shared goal is student education. I want to facilitate an environment of shared responsibility and respect.

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

I am especially concerned with threats to funding and the availability of resources that students need to succeed and enrich their education. Public education is a commitment that we as a country have made to our citizens for the benefit of the individual and country as a whole. I will fight for this on the local level and work hard to make sure that available funds are used responsibly. I will also fight for funding for special education services. I personally know many families who have received guidance and educational support through Council Rock special education services and if anything these resources should be expanded. I cannot imagine the catastrophic impact of curtailing these services.

As a parent I have also been keenly aware of the safety concerns of schools in this era. I appreciate the attention to safety drills and safety education provided in schools but also feel mental health in the era of social media is a priority that benefits from the input of all those in the school community. I would make mental health and safety resources a priority if elected and I would seek input from parents and staff to develop initiatives and solutions to this ongoing concern for all schools.

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

I believe school board meetings should be a safe place for an exchange of ideas among those with a common goal: the education of children. Each child comes to school with a unique set of talents, skills and fears, and each parent sends their kids to school with certain expectations. Similarly, teachers and administrators have their own background and talents but also are bound by academic guidelines and time constraints. Parents and teachers must be able to count on the resources and support of a strong school district. If elected, I will work to find common ground amongst the many interests in our community. Our children deserve it.