Election 2023: Cathie Forman for Centennial School Board

Candidates running in the Nov. 7 general election are providing background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

UPPER SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA —Cathie Forman is running as a Democrat in the Nov. 7 general election for a seat on the Centennial School Board.

Forman and Democratic school board member Michael Lydon are challenging Republican school board member Charles H. Martin and Kathleen M. Maguire for two, four-year seats.

Biographical Information

Name: Cathie Forman

Age: 68

Town of residence: Upper Southampton

Position sought: Centennial School District School Board-Director

Are you an incumbent? No

What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Upper Southampton Township

Party affiliation: Democrat

Family: Son, 33 years old; Daughter, 30 years old

Education: Bachelor of Science Degree- Montclair University, Montclair, NJ. Master’s degree for
Social Work, Hunter College School of Social Work, New York City, NY.

Occupation: School Social Worker for 27 Years. Currently Retired

1. What are the top issues currently facing your position and how do you plan to address them?

School Board Directors for the Centennial School District are responsible for funding programs, facilities, teachers’ salaries, curriculum, and overall financial needs. This ‘issue’ requires a mindset for fiscal accountability. I will prioritize funds for students, and teaching staff, acknowledging that it is our residents' tax dollars being spent. Grant money to support programs is something I will encourage and willingly apply for.

Staying up to date with what our community, state, and country needs for the next generation of leaders will be a primary focus in any decision-making as a Board member. Supporting the programs and educational materials that will prepare our students to provide what’s needed for our communities is an issue, I believe is of primary importance. Encourage opportunities to learn about and from people of differing backgrounds.

2. Identify specific goals or ideas you must have to enhance life in your position:

I would like the opportunity to support efforts being made for partnerships with businesses, higher educational institutions, and internship programs. A goal of mine is to increase these partnerships for our district’s students.

I would also like to increase opportunities to create programs that are based on Restorative Justice practices. This would provide opportunities for students to learn mediation, conflict resolution, and cooperative problem-solving skills. I believe these are necessary skills for all, no matter which work force they choose to enter.

3. What in your experience or background prepares you for election to office?

• School Social Worker for 27 years in districts throughout Bucks County where I worked collaboratively with teachers, students, administrative staff, parents, and support service agencies. I am experienced in working with people who don’t necessarily share my perspectives. I have always practiced respect flexibility and willingness to see another person’s point of view. Restorative Practice- trained and participated in resolving conflicts between students, students and teachers, families, and social service providers.
• Upper Southampton Youth Aid Panel volunteer for 10 years with the Upper Southampton Police Department; An alternative to court for juveniles charged with non-violent crimes.
• Surrogate Parent volunteer with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit- 2 years; providing legal guardianship services for educational needs.
• Chairperson for the Upper Southampton Environmental Advisory Committee; working with township leaders and residents to address environmental needs and programs.
• Widowed when my children were ages 10 and 13. Single parent, working full time, paying taxes. I know what it’s like to live paycheck to paycheck.