Candidate Profile 2021: Lois Lambing, Pennsbury School Board

FALLSINGTON, PA — Lois Lambing, an educator and assistant principal, is running in Region 1 of the Pennsbury School District for a seat on the school board.

Region 1 encompasses Yardley Borough and portions of Lower Makefield Township. Others in this race are Joshua Waldorf, Victoria Czechowski, and Pirooz Abir.

The general election will take place on Nov. 2.

Here's Lambing's profile, as filled out by the candidate:

Age (as of Election Day)

45

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

My husband of nearly 18 years is Peter, he is a Union Steamfitter. I have a daughter who is a sophomore and a son who is in 7th grade.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

I graduated from Pennsbury High School in 1994. Then I went to Millersville University to study teaching and earned my BA in Education and certification in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. I earned my Master's in Special Education at LaSalle University. I am currently enrolled in American University working on a second Master's degree in Education Policy and Leadership.

Occupation

I have had various roles in education over the past 23 years. I began my career as an elementary and special education teacher. Then I transitioned to teaching middle school and am currently an Assistant Principal.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

I believe in serving my community. When I lived in Falls Township, I served on the Board of Parks and Recreation and also worked as a Poll Worker on Election Day. When I moved to Lower Makefield Township I continued to serve as a Poll Worker and I was proudly elected to serve my community as Judge of Elections.

Campaign website

loisandjosh.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for the position of School Board Director because I care about our children, their education and our community. Schools build community and the pride we see in our students’ achievements both in the classroom and in their extracurriculars is what binds us together.

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

I would like to ensure that all of our students are being afforded the opportunity to reach their full potential. To address this need, I will start by ensuring we are working with Dr. Smith and the teachers in understanding their specific needs so we can make a plan for targeted supports.

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

I believe I offer many unique perspectives as a candidate. My experience in education truly sets me apart from any of the other candidates. I have dedicated my life to education and building relationships with students, their families and teachers. I also have the unique perspective of being the only candidate in the Region to attend Pennsbury from K-12 and live in the Pennsbury School District my entire life. As a tax payer and parent I care about and am invested in the success of our schools.

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

I am running for an open position.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The top three issues that concern me right now are:
Continuing to promote school practices that foster a safe, supportive, and respectful learning environment for all children.
Work to implement the ten-year facility renovation plan as funds allow.
Assist the new Superintendent in meeting Pennsbury’s comprehensive strategic plan’s goals and focusing efforts on targeted supports.

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

I co wrote a Reopening Plan for the 2020-21 school year. This plan successfully opened a school for 5 full days of in person learning with a robust virtual learning platform with an emphasis on safety as well as maintaining academic rigor. I believe the experience of leading a school through a shut down and successful reopening has afforded me the opportunity to utilize many of my leadership skills such as innovative problem solving, communicating with stakeholders, and team building.

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

I would like people to know that I am a concerned mom. I have had similar struggles with virtual learning with my own children. I identify with families who have children with IEP's, 504's and GIEP's and have had to advocate for their children's rights. I care about the health and safety of our children, teachers and staff. I want people to know that I value and respect others opinions. I value listening and leading with empathy, compassion and understanding. I value finding common ground so that things can move forward. Ultimately, I would like people to understand that I am running because I care about our District and community.