First Candidate Throws Hat In Ring For PASD School Board Seat

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — Three seats on the PASD school board of directors could be open in the coming spring election, though not all sitting board members whose terms are expiring have not announced if they will seek re-election.

Terms are ending for PASD board president Blake Emmanuel, board member Jeesely Soto, and board member Christopher Caltagirone. Susan Turner, who was appointed to fill Lori Broker's vacated seat last fall, will run to keep her spot.

Emmanuel confirmed today that she will not seek election. She told Patch it was a "bittersweet" decision.

Scott Overland of East Pikeland Township is the first to declare his candidacy ahead of the March 9 deadline for filing. Overland lives in East Pikeland Township and the older of his two children will begin kindergarten in the fall in Phoenixville Area School District.

Overland has more than 10 years of education experience and said he "has a deep passion for ensuring access to a high-quality public education for all children." He's been director of media relations for Pearson, a leader in education worldwide.

His wife Katie is a teacher in the Owen J. Roberts School District and their two children will be attending PASD schools, the oldest to enter kindergartener starting in fall.

He said he has two core concerns as he seeks a position on the PASD board. He said he wants PASD schools to be a place where teachers and staff want to come to work.

"That's how I think you truly rise in rankings and help a school district achieve its potential: have the best staff, and top talent, by creating that environment that's is an attractive place to work, and that rewards motivation."

He said hiring is an important part of this, noting that when there are leadership openings, a board needs to look at diverse candidates, and "make sure our school staff looks like our community."

He said his other core concern is getting students involved in the community in ways that benefit everyone. "When I was in high school I interned in ninth grade with local congressman, and that shaped my experience going forward." Overland would like to support programs that "get students out in the community," in businesses, through internships, or as volunteers.

"Students can contribute while gaining real-world experience," he said. He would like to be part of creating an environment that encourages and rewards creativity and innovation in the district, he said.

Overland's work experience also includes six years on Capitol Hill working for members with a strong commitment to public education, including former U.S. Sen. Joe Lieberman and former Congressman and current Colorado Governor Jared Polis.

“It would be a privilege and honor to serve the Phoenixville Area community as a School Board Director, helping to ensure that every student in our district has access to a first-rate education in safe, state-of-the-art schools,” said Scott Overland.

“Our community, faculty, and current board members have navigated through unimaginably difficult circumstances over the past nine months and deserve thanks and appreciation for their commitment. If elected, I would be ready to build on their hard work and help make the Phoenixville Area School District one of the best in the Commonwealth,” Overland said.

Overland also emphasized working with local governments to encourage smart growth to build the tax base and toward revenue-neutral reform of the occupation tax.

Overland earned his bachelor's degree from Muhlenberg College in Allentown and his Juris Doctorate from American University in Washington, D.C. He is from Connecticut, and went to college in Allentown where he met wife, who is from Delaware County.

Information about running for PASD school board can be found here.

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