Election 2025: Elizabeth Montalvo For Centennial School Board

Candidates running in the Nov. 4 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.

WARMINSTER TOWNSHIP, PA — Elizabeth Montalvo is running for a seat on the Centennial School Board in the Nov. 4 general election.

Montalvo, a Democrat, is among the candidates vying for four-year seats open in several regions.

In Region 1, it's Democrat Elizabeth Montalvo against Republican incumbent Flemming Godiksen.

In Region 2, it's Democrat Krista DiPaolo against Republican incumbent Mark Gindhart.

In Region 3, it's Democrat Karen Kreiger and incumbent School Director Jane Lynch, a Republican running on the Democratic ticket. They face Republican School Board President Mary Alice Brancato and Mark Werner.

Biographical Information

• Name: Elizabeth Montalvo
• Age: 34
• Town of Residence: Upper Southampton Township
• Position sought: Centennial School Board Director – Region 1
• Are you an incumbent? No
• What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Upper Southampton Township – Region 1
• Party Affiliation: Democrat
• Family: Husband and two girls (2.5 and 4 years old)
• Education: Bachelor's degree from Penn State, Master's degree from Kent State (both in music education), 30 additional graduate-level credits in performance, music technology, and music pedagogy
• Occupation: Public School music teacher in the Neshaminy School District

Candidate Questions

1. The public was against the hiring of the new schools superintendent. What is your stance on that?

I think the public is right to have some skepticism, considering his background with Central Bucks School District. He comes with a lot of administrative experience, but his last stint as Superintendent at Central Bucks makes us question why he is here in Centennial. I am optimistic about working with him because I love to meet someone personally before passing judgement. I will proceed with caution, but am open for conversation and a cooperative working environment.

2. What educational background do you bring to the position?

I am well educated with two degrees in music education, both a bachelor's and a master's degree. I worked hard during my time in school, making the Dean's List seven out of eight semesters. I also completed my master's degree while working full-time. I also come with 12 years of public school work experience, which is great for the position of School Director.

3. What are the biggest challenges to the school district in the future?

The Centennial School District is in a hard spot where it needs to balance the budget and look for more financial stability in the future. I am not claiming to be an expert in finances, but I am ready and willing to dive in deep with the other school directors to make decisions with the schools, staff, students, and the community in mind.

One other area that will need attention, in my opinion, is working better together at all levels.

How can we involve more teacher and support staff in these tough conversations? How can the administration and the superintendent work together with each other and the school board? How can the school board learn to listen with intention to other board members and respect each individual's opinion?

We need to get to work creating an environment of respect and rapport just as the hard-working teachers do, and get evaluated on, in their classrooms.