Election 2025: Bob Hickey 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 — Republican Bob Hickey is running for re-election in Region 3 as a cross-filed candidate, meaning his name will appear on both ballots. He faces a challenge from Democrat Jim Green, who is also running as a cross-filed candidate on both ballots.

Region 3 includes Northampton Township Voting Districts 1, 11 and 15.

Biological Information

Name: Bob Hickey

Age: 66

Town of residence: Richboro PA

Position sought: School Board Director - Council Rock - District 3

What Towns Does your Position Cover: Richboro, Holland

Party Affiliation: N/A

Family: Married (Maureen - 42 yrs), 8 Children, 18 Grandchildren

Education: BS - Temple University - Secondary Education - Social Studies

Occupation: Corporate Management

Questions

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

Simply said, I absolutely love it …. no matter the responsibility, the hours, the overall demands, I love it! While I looked forward to this new beginning four years ago, I never expected to enjoy this challenging position to the degree that I do. I quickly learned that there is something to be said for having the time necessary to truly immerse oneself in this role and so waiting until my own family was grown proved to be invaluable in that regard.

In addition, and most importantly — and like many of you — I have been a parent, resident, and taxpayer in this community for over 30 years. As a husband, father, and now as a grandfather of 18, my head and heart have always been with families. I fully understand the balancing act of raising a family in Council Rock—and the demands placed on parents, grandparents, and taxpayers alike. Raising eight children who attended Council Rock schools for 26 consecutive years has afforded me a unique insight into the Council Rock community, classroom, and culture. This stake in "all things Council Rock" and in our community gave me the opportunity to volunteer over the years with athletic, civic, and religious organizations. Those years provided me with a well-rounded experience of service on many levels and my desire to continue to serve is a reflection of that journey. I feel I have much to offer from these life experiences.

My focus will always be to the approximate 10,500 students in our district. Every decision made has to be with that thought in mind. In addition, though I am elected from a small portion of the district, I am mindful of the fact that I represent, and am accountable to, the entire Council Rock community.

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

Providing a first-class education at an affordable price is a priority. Adding to this is the fact we are still recovering from learning loss due to Covid lockdowns before my time on the board. We continue to add staff (especially in Reading and Math) and offer various supports to close this learning gap while keeping taxes low. Tax rebates for qualifying seniors have also been introduced to assist those on fixed incomes whose children have long graduated. Keeping taxes low without compromising quality education is the priority.

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

The Chancellor Center represents one of many projects the district must consider. I believe, with limited exception, that the district has done a very good job of budgeting with capital expenditures. As we face the challenges ahead, we must continue to build within our means and not our wants. A “safe, warm, and dry” approach may be necessary in this time of economic uncertainty. As always, how our capital projects are approached and characterized must first be analyzed as to how it benefits our students first. One particular project I am pursuing that would benefit students would be to construct a stadium at Council Rock High School South at an affordable price to all stakeholders. This project would also create parity in the district.

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

One of the larger issues I see not just locally but nationally revolves around the lack of communication or miscommunication between districts and parents. This is particularly witnessed with sensitive materials presented to students as being age appropriate. There are many cases where parents are unaware of what is actually being introduced to their children. Parents should have a greater ability to see in advance what materials are being incorporated into lesson plans and to decide whether their child is ready for this type of instruction. That practice gives the parent greater control over their child's education as well as promoting a spirit of openness and cooperation between all parties concerned - most importantly, the child.