Meet Shawn Hopkins, Who Is Running For Upper Moreland Township School Board

UPPER MORELAND, PA — Patch continues profiling local election candidates with a profile on Shawn Hopkins, who is running for a seat on the Upper Moreland Township School Board.

Read responses that Hopkins submitted to a Patch candidate quesionnaire.

Age (as of Election Day)

42

Party Affiliation

Republican

Family

Married to wife Cindi who is a nurse with 4 children ages 7-17. 16 year residents of UM

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Yes, my dad is a township supervisor in Springfield, Bucks county for 15+ years

Education

Master of Science in IT Leadership from LaSalle University; BS in information Technology from LaSalle University

Occupation

Software Release Manager

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Upper Moreland Township Environmental Advisory Council member

Campaign website

www.GrowthForUpperMoreland.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

To continue serving my community, but in a larger capacity.

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

I feel the most pressing issue facing our district is the issue of financial responsibility. The district has consistently engaged in deficit spending leading to projections of significant budget shortfalls in the future. At the same time, the district has raised taxes in excess of the Act 1 base index and has still been unwilling to avoid deficit spending. We must use our resources wisely and eliminate waste in order to maintain and improve our current educational programs. As a board member, I will carefully evaluate how money is being spent and advocate for full justification of future tax increases that disproportionately burden low-income families and senior residents on fixed incomes.

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

I have an outside view to public education. I attended Catholic school, and my children do as well; however, I want everyone to receive the best available education.

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

The entire community lacks a voice and representation from the current board. Special interests drive the agenda at the expense of the greater good.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I would like to see transparency of reasoning behind decisions, proposed changes, and leadership. I would like to bring a growth mindset to continually improve outcomes for all constituents – students, teachers, neighbors, retirees, et al.

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

A life of faith in God, raising a joyful and successful family, continuing my personal education, a career in business working with diverse people (technical, business, marketing, and across the world; volunteer board service in Upper Moreland on the Environmental Advisory Council and parish CYO.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Don’t burn bridges. I always strive to find connections instead of differences in order to find value. We can all work together to make things better for everyone.

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

I will listen to the needs and requests of our community. I will engage with them to seek answers.