Leann Hart is a Democrat running for Bensalem School Board.
Why do you think you are qualified to effectively represent your community on the school board?
As an alum, a parent, and the daughter of a retired Bensalem High School teacher, Bensalem Schools have quite literally shaped my life at every turn—and I’m excited for the opportunity to give back.
I have a degree in Economics from Dickinson College and have worked as a Data Analyst since 2008. I’m skilled at sorting through large amounts of information to find what truly matters and presenting it in a way that’s easy for everyone to understand.
In recent years, I’ve also served on several boards, including the non-profit Children First PA. There, I saw firsthand the challenges facing public school districts across Pennsylvania—and the work being done to tackle them. We partnered with lawmakers, educators, students, and community leaders to push for fair funding and policies that strengthen public education while also aiming to ease the burden on local taxpayers.
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?
Educators are professionals and deserve to be treated that way. I trust our teachers, administrators, and school librarians to choose materials that are appropriate for students in both content and reading level.
Bensalem already has policies that let parents raise individual concerns about specific materials, and I fully respect a parent’s right to make those choices for their own child. But I don’t believe anyone should be able to make those decisions for everyone else’s children.
Our schools should be places where students can think critically, explore new ideas, and learn from a wide range of perspectives — not places where books are banned or voices are silenced.
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?
Teacher and staff retention is so important for the stability of our classrooms and the success of our students. While the school board doesn’t directly interview or hire teachers and staff, it plays an important role in shaping the overall culture of the district.
A board that values and respects educators creates an environment where teachers and staff feel supported rather than undervalued. Fair contracts, open communication, collaboration, and opportunities for professional growth will all contribute to making Bensalem a district where great teachers want to spend their careers.
Our schools should be places where students can think critically, explore new ideas, and learn from a wide range of perspectives — not places where books are banned or voices are silenced.
What are the school board’s biggest challenges in the coming months; the next four years?
Without a doubt, funding is Bensalem’s greatest challenge — both now and in the years ahead. The costs of special education and charter school tuition continue to rise each year, yet the current Republican board has failed to rein in spending or engage in long-term planning to stay ahead of those increases.
READ: Education Groups Highlight How Pennsylvania Budget Stalemate Shortchanges Students’ Education
The recent unpredictability of state and federal support only adds to the uncertainty. Addressing these financial challenges will require thoughtful planning, transparency, and responsible decision making to ensure that every dollar spent helps classrooms and supports student success.
How will you work with administrators and fellow board members to address the district’s biggest challenges?
Addressing the district’s financial challenges will take open communication and collaboration between the board, administration, and community. The board needs to take the lead in creating a long-term financial plan that puts students first while keeping spending responsible.
Just as important, the district has to be upfront with families, staff, and taxpayers about both the challenges and solutions. When we’re transparent and work together, we can make smart decisions that protect our students’ well being and success.
