Krista DiPaolo is a Democrat and Ivyland resident.
Why do you think you are qualified to effectively represent your community on the school board?
I am running for school board director because I am deeply committed to serving the Centennial School District and ensuring every student has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed. As a district parent since 2010, I have built meaningful relationships with teachers, administrators and families, and I understand the importance of collaboration in supporting our schools. Over the years, I’ve actively contributed to our school community – serving as a room parent, participating on various home and school boards, serving on nominating committees (including for a high school principal), serving as president of Cross Country and Track and Field Boosters; as a Marching Band Booster parent and being a dedicated member of the Parent Action Committee (PAC). My professional experience as a pediatric occupational therapist for over 21 years has given me a deep understanding of child development and special education services, which I believe will be an asset to the board. I care deeply about the success and well-being of every child in our community. I am committed to transparency, equity and thoughtful decision-making that reflect the diverse needs of our district. I want to help Centennial continue to grow, thrive and provide a high-quality education for all students.
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?
I do not support book banning. Instead, I believe in following existing district policies, such as Policy 109.1-AR-3, which allows parents and guardians to request the re-evaluation of instructional or resource materials. This process gives families a voice in what their own children read without restricting access for others. I support parental choice – families should be able to decide what is appropriate for their own children, but not for someone else’s. Our libraries already reflect this approach.
LISTEN: The Normalization of Book Banning in the United States, with PEN America’s Sabrina Baêta
As a former elementary library aide, I have seen firsthand how librarians work closely with families and ensure materials are appropriate for each reading level. For example, kindergarteners are not checking out the same books as fifth graders. Our librarians are trained professionals, who guide students responsibly in selecting materials and using library resources effectively. I trust them to continue doing an excellent job in supporting both educational needs and parental concerns.
Decreasing teacher and staff retention is 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 serve to reverse this trend?
My current understanding is that the school board’s role in hiring typically occurs at the final approval stage, where the board votes to approve candidates presented for hire. The board is not involved in the recruiting process, with the exception of the superintendent, for which the board plays a direct hiring role. The school board does have a responsibility to support staff retention. This means creating conditions where teachers and administrators feel empowered to do their jobs effectively. At its core, this involves collaborating with employee unions and maintaining open lines of communication. Staff should feel safe and supported in speaking about the challenges they face, within the structure of the district’s established processes. Before concerns reach the board level, proper channels and district policies should be followed. When the board is involved, directors should strive to be neutral, unified and focused on maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all district employees.
The board’s recent 5–4 split in the hiring of the superintendent revealed a troubling lack of unity and transparency. Despite repeated calls from the community for openness, the majority did not engage meaningfully with stakeholders.
What are the school board’s biggest challenges in the coming months; the next four years?
As a candidate, I believe the Centennial School Board must confront several critical challenges in both the immediate and long-term future. These issues demand responsible leadership, collaboration and transparency.
1. Budget Stability (short- and long-term)
The most pressing challenge is the district’s financial health. The state budget from the Pennsylvania Department of Education missed the constitutional June 30 deadline and remains unresolved. This delay has disrupted local school planning and created uncertainty in funding for essential educational programs. Locally, the board’s refusal to pass timely budgets in recent years – in order to claim taxes were not raised – has forced the district to deplete reserve funds to stay afloat. This year alone, the district faced a $2 million deficit. Had taxes been managed more responsibly over the past four years, we would be operating with a surplus rather than a structural deficit. Without a clear financial plan, the district risks deeper deficits in future years.
2. Special Education Funding (long-term)
As a licensed pediatric occupational therapist with 21 years of experience, I have seen firsthand the strain that underfunded special education places on school systems. These programs are mandated but not fully funded, leaving districts like ours struggling to meet student needs. Centennial must find sustainable ways to fund and prioritize special education – this issue affects not only our students, but also teachers and support staff working without adequate resources.
3. Board Collaboration and Public Trust (immediate and ongoing)
The board’s recent 5–4 split in the hiring of the superintendent revealed a troubling lack of unity and transparency. Despite repeated calls from the community for openness, the majority did not engage meaningfully with stakeholders.
This pattern of divisiveness has eroded trust among parents, staff and taxpayers. We need a board that works collaboratively, puts students first, and reflects the values of the entire community, not just a narrow majority. Moving forward, the board must function as a unified body committed to shared goals, not factions with competing agendas.
How will you work with administrators and fellow board members to address the district’s biggest challenges in the short and long term?
To effectively address both the short and long-term challenges facing our district, I am committed to building trust, transparency and collaboration with fellow board members and district administrators. As a new board director, I recognize there will be a learning curve, and I welcome that responsibility with humility and determination. My approach will be rooted in respect for policy, open communication and a willingness to listen, especially when others hold differing views. Productive disagreement is not only healthy, but also essential to crafting solutions that serve the entire district. I believe the board must function as a unified team to tackle key issues such as financial stability, special education funding, and restoring community trust. As the saying goes, “a house divided cannot stand.” I will work diligently to bridge divides and keep the board focused on what matters most: our students, staff, and the future of public education in our community.
Editorial Note: Abraham Lincoln spoke on June 16, 1858 in Springfield Illinois at the statehouse for the Republican State Convention; where he said during his House Divided Speech: “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
Centennial Candidate Q&A’s:
School Board Candidate Q&A: Jane Schrader Lynch – Centennial School District
School Board Candidate Q&A: Flemming Godiksen – Centennial School District
School Board Candidate Q&A: Elizabeth Montalvo – Centennial School District
