Meet Jolie Price, Who Is Running For A Two-Year Term On The Upper Moreland School Board

UPPER MORELAND, PA — As Patch continues its pre-election coverage, check out responses to our candidate questionnaire provided by Jolie Price, who is running for a two-year term on the Upper Moreland School Board.

Age (as of Election Day)

40

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Married with 2 kids who are students in the District.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA, Muhlenberg College; MBA, Arcadia University

Occupation

Chief of Staff

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Member, Human Relations Committee, Upper Moreland Township (appointed)

Campaign website

Facebook.com/jolieprice

Why are you seeking elective office?

I’m running to ensure our schools provide a safe and healthy environment for students and staff; to deploy my experience on diversity and inclusion topics to improve acceptance and staff diversity; to foster engagement among the community; and to promote confidence, respect, and service within our schools so my children and others can succeed.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue is communication. Disinformation spread on social media, leads to outrage and misunderstanding in the absence of clarity from the District. The District’s website needs updating. Virtual commenting at Board meetings should be reinstated. There was recently a communication report released, and the District will need to decide how to implement a strategy.

I will push for clearly and publicly addressing matters that arise on social media, so the community has easier access to the truth than to conjecture. I’ll give feedback on website improvements so it will serve parents better. I’ll vote for virtual commenting to be reinstated to improve community engagement. I believe engaging and listening to the community is part of the job, and the Board should make it easier - not harder - for the public to feel heard.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I think there are two main differences: involvement and ideology.

I’ve attended every School Board meeting since my appointment. I already speak up and address the Board to make a difference. I’m involved in the fabric of the schools - I’ve volunteered in the UMES, and founded the parents’ Facebook groups for the Kindergarten and 3rd grade classes.

I believe families and schools should work together to develop character, set expectations for appropriate behavior, and encourage acceptance among students. Politically, I’m a moderate who can understand the values on both sides of the spectrum.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Not applicable, my opponent isn’t an incumbent.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The Diversity Task Force report will be released early next year, and there will be decisions to make on goal setting and strategy. My time as a leader of a diversity and inclusion team in a professional setting has taught me to drive these programs and how to think about weaving inclusion into the fabric of a culture.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My experience on the Human Relations Committee has prepared me for operating as a government body, and the procedure involved. My academic pursuits have provided me with many of the business and finance lessons for the role. I’m also a full-time working mother of 2 kids - I’m well versed in juggling priorities, finding compromises, and making decisions that are in the best interest of all.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Follow your bliss.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I believe staff, teachers, and bus drivers have to feel respected, appreciated, and heard. Progress has to be made to achieve and sustain this goal.