Joyce Chester Seeks Reelection To West Chester Area School Board

Pennsylvania's Primary Election is May 18. Joyce Chester seeks reelection to the West Chester Area School District Board of Directors in Region 1.

She explained why she is running for election.

Joyce Chester

Age: 67

Position Sought: West Chester Area School District, School Board Director, Region 1

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Family: Son, Christopher, 43, attended WCASD elementary and middle schools and is a graduate of Immaculata University and of Widener University. He holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Son, Jesse 24, a graduate of Henderson. He graduated from West Chester University. Grandson, Cory, graduates in the 153rd commencement ceremony at Henderson High School on June 8, 2021. He will be attending West Chester University.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: A cousin, retired lieutenant works for the U.S. Department of Education. Mother, retired from Naval Air Base in 1987 as Chief of Procurement. Many cousins and uncles serving or retired from the armed forces.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Immaculata University. Non-Profit Executive Leadership Institute, Bryn Mawr Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research

Occupation: Nonprofit administrator, 25 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: West Chester Area School District School Board 2018, West Chester Area School District School Board 2014, Chester County Workforce Development Board, Chester County.

Why are you seeking elective office?: I believe in equity in educational opportunities for all children provided in a fiscally responsible way. My two sons and grandsons are products of the district and both are enjoying successful careers. As a single parent, I know the challenges of providing for family while helping them pursue educational resources that meet their particular needs. As an administrator for a non-profit agency providing adult literacy, I see the challenges faced by those students who fell through the cracks when they were in K-12. I believe in the value of public school and its importance as a foundation for a wholesome community.

The single most pressing issue facing our school district is: We are currently facing a huge achievement gap for brown and black children in the district. As a member of the board in my eighth year, I've seen first-hand how the district struggles with issues of diversity and how to best handle those issues to the benefit of our students, teachers, and staff —including administrators. Public schools should reflect the ideals and values of all involved in the system for the benefit of each and all.
My commitment on the board has been to serve as chair of the Pupil Services Committee, with a particular focus on identifying and addressing equity issues in such areas as school discipline, student supports, and equitable access to rigorous courses; serve as an active member of the Education Committee, contributing to robust reviews of curriculum, textbooks, student achievement data, and a broad range of district policies; consistently advocate for recruiting, retaining and advancing an exceptional and diverse teaching and administrative staff; champion WCASD’s 2020 Equity Audit, and signed the board pledge to adopt its recommendations, work to create and recruit the first-ever cabinet-level Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the district. I continue to support these efforts on behalf of all children in the district.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?: I have useful experience beyond that of serving on the school board. Through my nonprofit work, I've served on many Chester County committees through the years and have served many disadvantaged adults. Taking a retrospective look, I can see what may have been lacking in their K-12 years that now resonates by its harsh economic impact — low skills, low literacy, low income. I have that perspective.
I also realize that the school district is not just about me or my children or those in my circle, it is about ALL children and being able to maturely communicate and collaborate with teachers, staff members, cabinet members, and administration in efforts to get the work done as efficiently and effectively as possible. I have the keen ability to hear all sides and make decisions based on facts. As a woman of color, I bring a perspective to the board that may otherwise be overlooked.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: My Key Issues: Equitable services and education for all students, a review and reconciling of disproportionality in punishment impacting children of color, equitable practices in hiring and promotions within the district — for staff at all levels, prudent fiscal management of district resources, curriculum and lesson planning designed to reflect the history and culture of all people.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: Hands down, my children are my greatest accomplishment. In addition, my work career began in corporate work for over 20 years. While working in advertising I was able to transition that career into self-employment for 10 years and then to nonprofit. Each tenure has been successful but my greatest joy has come through my non-profit work. In fact, our motto is Helping People Help Themselves, and through my work at Chester County OIC as well as on the school board, I live by that motto.
I have been honored to receive countless awards through the years, including the 2021 Shero Award from the Chester County Women's Commission and Chester County Commissioners, 2020 Movement Development Corporation Community Service Award, 2013 West Chester University of Pennsylvania Patricia Grasty Award, 2012 Drummer Major for Justice Award presented by St. Paul’s Baptist Church, 2011 Sunrise Rotary Leader of Distinction Humanitarian Award, among others.

The best advice ever shared with me was: Before you judge or make a decision, first walk in the shoes of others, then look for the win-win.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: What's most important for voters to know about me is that I am running for this position as the only Democrat but I'm single-focused on the success of each and every one of our children. No matter their differences or challenges, all children have greatness within. Our job is to remove the barriers so they can achieve their personal greatness.

Joyce Chester's campaign webpage may be viewed here.

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