Michael Bongiovanni is a Republican from Hilltown Township.
Why do you think you are qualified to effectively represent your community on the school board?
My educational experience spans over 35 years as a high school math teacher in a very high performing Bucks County school district. My career exposed me to innovative teaching practices, administrative responsibilities, critical thinking techniques, curriculum writing, collegial leadership, budget preparation, teacher mentoring and athletic coaching. This experience equips me with skills essential for leadership on the school board. I believe in practical, common-sense solutions that will focus on all of the stakeholders in the school district, especially the students. My campaign is not driven by a political agenda. It is rooted in my extensive experience as an educator and as a parent of two children who have passed through the Pennridge School District.
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 the term “book banning” as it oversimplifies what is often a legitimate concern about age-appropriate content in public schools. I believe schools should provide educational materials that are suitable for students at different developmental stages.
INTERVIEW: The Normalization of Book Banning in the United States, With PEN America’s Sabrina Baêta
Books that contain sexually explicit content do not belong in Grade K–12 public school libraries. Parents have the fundamental right to guide their children’s exposure to such material and decisions about access should be made at the family level – not imposed on all students. At the same time, we must ensure there is a fair and transparent process in place to review content involving educators, administrators and parents. This ensures we respect both professional expertise and parental rights.
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?
Teacher and staff retention is a big problem facing school districts today – but it won’t be solved by school boards getting involved with interviews or hiring decisions. The board’s role is to foster an environment where qualified teachers want to remain and grow. That means supporting teachers and students by maintaining explicit, transparent policies that protect academics and respect professional expertise. When teachers are aware that they have the support of the school board, and when expectations are consistent and fair, educators feel valued – and they’re far more likely to stay. As a board member, my focus will be on maintaining an environment of respect, consistency and transparency – so that our administrators can successfully recruit and retain excellent teachers.
As a former educator, I bring firsthand experience working closely with administrators, teachers and school board members. I understand the value of collaboration built on mutual respect.
What are the school board’s biggest challenges in the coming months; the next four years?
My top priorities as a school board member include:
· Promoting transparent and open communication among the school board, administration, educators, students, and the community – ensuring all voices are heard and respected.
· Supporting a safe, healthy and inclusive learning environment where the focus is on intellectual development, critical thinking and teaching students how to think, not what to think.
· Upholding fiscal responsibility by ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, efficiently and in ways that directly benefits student learning and long-term district success.
How will you work with administrators and fellow board members to address the district’s biggest challenges in the short and long term?
As a former educator, I bring firsthand experience working closely with administrators, teachers and school board members. I understand the value of collaboration built on mutual respect. I’m committed to being an engaged listener and thoughtful communicator – because real conversations lead to real solutions. I’m not afraid to engage in the tough discussions that are sometimes necessary to generate meaningful ideas and address complex challenges. My leadership is guided by four core principles: Integrity, honesty, commitment and educational experience.
