Election 2025: Tashjian 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.

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA — Democrat Audrey Tashjian is running 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 6. She faces incumbent Republican Michael Roosevelt, who is also running as a cross-filed candidate on both ballots.

Region 6 includes Northampton Township Voting Districts 4, 8, 13 and 18.

Biographical Information

Name: Audrey Tashjian

Age: 62

Town: Churchville

Position sought: Council Rock School board director Region 6

Position covers: Ivyland, Churchville, Richboro

Affiliation: Democrat

Family: Stepson and stepdaughter, son, husband, Ralphie the dog

Education: BA Harvard Radcliffe College, MD University of Pennsylvania, Residency University of California San Diego

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 the 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 resources. That support has generally been invaluable. 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 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.

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

While I am not privy to the intricacies of facilities planning for Council Rock at this time, I am aware of the ongoing issues and vow, if elected, to work hard to understand and represent the needs of the district and to make funding allocation responsible and equitable.

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.