Rodger Allen is a Democrat running for Bensalem School Board.
Why do you think you are qualified to effectively represent your community on the school board?
I believe I’m qualified to serve because I combine both classroom experience and financial management expertise. I hold a degree in finance and currently run a business where I manage a large operating budget. The school board oversees nearly $180 million in taxpayer funds, and that responsibility requires someone who understands fiscal accountability. Beyond that, I recognize the power of education and how it can create tangible solutions for our community’s future.
What is your position on book banning, and how will you implement policies to support faculty and students?
Book banning has no place in our schools. Education thrives when students are free to explore, think critically, and learn from history—not when we hide it. If we start banning books, we risk repeating the very mistakes of the past. I will support policies that protect academic freedom, empower librarians and teachers, and ensure our classrooms remain spaces where students can grow intellectually and emotionally.
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 can the school board do to reverse the trend?
A school board must make attracting and retaining educators a top priority. As a member, I will advocate for hiring more teachers and support staff to reduce class sizes and improve learning outcomes. We can also set clear staffing goals by school and ensure the budget reflects those priorities, cutting unnecessary spending to reinvest in the people who shape our children’s education. The board should also work closely with administrators to create an environment where teachers feel supported, respected, and heard.
Book banning has no place in our schools. Education thrives when students are free to explore, think critically, and learn from history—not when we hide it.
What is the school board’s biggest challenge in the coming months and the next four years?
Our biggest challenge is managing the district’s budget responsibly after the financial hole the Republicans have put us in. We’re facing a gap created by years of poor fiscal decisions, including wasteful spending and cuts to essential staff. Now, some are proposing to build a mega middle school for 1,600 students—an extremely costly project that would strain our finances even further without addressing the staffing needs it would create. I don’t support that plan. Instead, we must focus on maintaining and improving our existing schools, supporting teachers, and finding smarter, cost-effective solutions before asking taxpayers to pay more.
How will you work with administrators and fellow board members to address the district’s biggest challenges?
I believe in collaboration, not division. No matter your party or perspective, we can find common ground through honest conversation and shared goals. I plan to be one of the most visible and accessible board members in Bensalem’s history. I’ll visit schools regularly, speak with administrators and teachers firsthand, and stay in constant communication with families. You can’t lead effectively if you’re not present—and I intend to lead by showing up and working together.
Bensalem Candidate Q&A’s:
School Board Candidate Q&A: Leann Hart – Bensalem School District
