Audrey Tashjian is a Democrat running in Council Rock School Board Region 6.
Why do you think you are qualified to effectively represent your community on the school board?
I have lived over 20 years in Bucks County and raised 3 Council Rock graduates. I have spent most of my adult life working for the betterment of women, children and families. Before becoming a doctor, I taught science in a high school, and that experience gave me great respect for the profession and for the complex and demanding responsibility that teachers bear. As a practicing Ob-Gyn for over 30 years, I have worked to be an advocate and trusted voice for my patients and their families. As a managing partner of my group when we were a private practice, I also developed management and business skills that will help me ensure responsible management of the finances of the district. Above all, I feel very strongly about public education and want to be part of the school board to help families feel heard and respected, and help each child benefit from all the district has to offer.
Over the past few years we have seen attempts by some school boards across Bucks County, as well as Pennsylvania and the country, to either unilaterally ban books or make it easier for community members to challenge and have books banned, often by usurping the authority of librarians and administrative leadership. What is your position on book banning and how will you implement policies to support faculty and students?
First of all, Council Rock has an opt-out policy whereby parents can elect that their child not read any certain book. And parents should be able to make that decision for their own child – but not for everyone else’s child. Our experienced, dedicated librarians and educators are best positioned to make decisions about which books should be included in a school library and curriculum. A free flow of ideas is how learning takes place. Book bans undermine the learning process.
Decreasing teacher and staff retention is also a growing issue school districts are facing. What is your role in the recruiting, interviewing and hiring process and what role can a school board do to reverse this trend?
A strong school system is a draw for families who often seek housing based on the reputation of a district. This supports property values in the entire community. The ability to recruit and maintain strong educators is the basis of a district’s strength. Good teachers want to teach where they are valued, respected, and appropriately compensated. School board members should advocate for contracts that are both fiscally responsible and competitive to draw the best educators and should support educators’ pursuit of advanced training and degrees.
Above all, I feel very strongly about public education and want to be part of the school board to help families feel heard and respected, and help each child benefit from all the district has to offer.
What are the school board’s biggest challenges in the coming months; the next four years?
Funding is always a major concern for any school district. The school board must balance the demands of an excellent educational system with serious dedication to fiscal responsibility.
READ: Early Childhood Education at Risk Because Pennsylvania Senate Republicans Refuse to Pass a Budget
Sadly, funding promises to be increasingly difficult with looming cuts to the Department of Education that could affect Council Rock and public schools nationwide over the coming years. Nonetheless, I believe the education of our children is a priority for all Bucks County residents, and I will work to ensure we continue to deliver outstanding education that sets our young people up for success and protects our property values.
How will you work with administrators and fellow board members to address the district’s biggest challenges?
I’ve learned a lot as I have knocked doors and talked with voters – including parents and retirees – in our region. On the school board, I will continue to listen and I will be available and accountable to our voters. I will work to ensure school funding is allocated fairly and responsibly. I will bring my long history of caring for our newest children to care for all the children of Council Rock.
For more information visit Together for Council Rock.
COUNCIL ROCK CANDIDATE Q&A’s:
School Board Candidate Q&A: Jim Green – Council Rock School District
School Board Candidate Q&A: Cheryl Rickert – Council Rock School District
School Board Candidate Q&A: Nicole Khan – Council Rock School District
