Julie K Mesaros: Tredyffrin/Easttown School Board Director Candidate

TREDYFFRIN-EASTTOWN, PA — The primary election is coming up, and voters in Tredyffrin and Easttown townships should get to know who is on the ballot as they prepare to cast their votes on May 20.

Below is a profile of Tredyffrin/Easttown School District board director candidate Julie K. Mesaros:

Name: Julie K. Mesaros
Age: 46
Gender: Female
Location/Town: Wayne
Position Sought: Tredyffrin/Easttown School Board Director (Region 3)
Party: Democrat
Campaign website/social media: www.JulieKMesaros.com, Dr. Mesaros for Tredyffrin / Easttown - T/E School Board (Facebook page)

Why do you want to help shape policy in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District?

Foremost, I value public education as a pivotal democratic institution. I possess the experience, education, energy, and professionalism to serve the public well as Tredyffrin/Easttown School Director. To this governance role, I will lend valuable expertise acquired from relevant career experience and advanced academic training. This includes K-12 teaching in special education and English as a Second Language classrooms; Master of Education and Doctor of Public Policy and Administration degrees; current full-time managerial work for a Pennsylvania state legislator; social service to at-risk youth; and six years working and studying in Asia.

As one of nine school board members, I pledge to work respectfully and collaboratively to shape policy. The needs and rights of all students and consideration of budget constraints should be the basis of policy decisions. To maintain educational excellence, we should execute policies and programs in the most fiscally effective manner. I take seriously the duty to govern responsibly by developing fair, sound policy and upholding its execution as intended. To do this, I will analyze current school district policy, apply evidence-based research data, and consider input from administrators, teachers, staff, families, and community members.

What are the biggest issues at hand in the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District? How do you plan to address them?

Like all school districts in Pennsylvania, Tredyffrin/Easttown is responsible for implementing state and federal mandates while managing inflation and state and federal funding shortfalls. Cost-containment requires critical evaluation to prioritize budget allocations. I will help ensure the school district works carefully and transparently to project budget needs and constraints. In the end, our schools are outstanding because they strive to serve all students––and outstanding schools drive property values due to housing demand. In conversations with voters, many families of former, current, or future students have told me they moved here for the public schools. In Tredyffrin/Easttown, the challenge will be to operate within budget constraints while maintaining educational excellence and the programs for which our community has shown overwhelming support. These include full-day kindergarten, the new science curriculum (STEELS), and other programs that make Tredyffrin/Easttown one of the best school districts in the state. I would be honored to join Tredyffrin/Easttown school board to uphold this reputation and support responsible governance that balances the needs of all students with these budget constraints.

How would you handle any impacts the paring down of the U.S. Department of Education may have on the Tredyffrin/Easttown School District?

Related to my prior responses, I will collaborate with the school board and school district administration to meet any such challenges, as all school boards in Pennsylvania are faced with potential reduction in federal funding. I stepped up to run for Tredyffrin/Easttown school board because I am a leader and I will work to uphold the integrity of our education system. I will be an asset to the school board in its responsibility to ensure fiscal sustainability while meeting the challenges ahead, particularly given my academic training in policy analysis and public budgeting, and real-world managerial work with public policy and programs on the state level.

What is your favorite aspect of living in Tredyffrin/Easttown?

I greatly value the quality of life here, which is enhanced by our top-notch, community-engaging schools. Strong schools in turn generate value and a sense of community for the residents of Berwyn, Chesterbrook, Daylesford, Devon, Paoli, Strafford, and Wayne.

Tell voters what you like to do in your personal life/spare time

I enjoy visits and outings with family and friends, especially my parents. Exercise and time in nature help me balance work and modern life. I like to run or hike in the many green spaces in our area, and I practice yoga, work out, and swim indoors.