Candidates running in the Nov. 4 general election are providing background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — Kate Pascucci is running for a seat on the Bensalem Township School Board in the Nov. 4 general election.

Pascucci, a Democrat, is among eight candidates running for four, four-year terms on the nine-member school board.

The candidates are Republicans Marc Cohen, Sheldon Per, Abby Koss, and Lee Schum. They’re squaring off against Democrats Kate Pascucci, Leann Hart, Rachel Fingles, and Rodger Allen.

Biographical Information Name: Kate PascucciAge: 46Town of Residence: Bensalem TownshipPosition sought: Bensalem Township School BoardAre you an incumbent? NoWhat Towns Does Your Position Cover? Bensalem TownshipParty Affiliation: DemocratFamily: I am married and have two children.Education: I have an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with a specialization in Special Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. Occupation: I manage the business operations of a private medical practice. Candidate Questions

1. How will the middle school debate impact the school board race?

The debate on how to proceed with middle school plans has clearly demonstrated the inability of the current board majority to make decisions. They have been discussing middle school options since 2017. Eight years later, we have not come any closer to bringing a cohesive plan to a vote. These delays have already doubled the potential cost to taxpayers. Our community needs leaders who will make decisions and take action.

2. What educational background do you bring to the position?

I am a former educator, in both elementary and special education settings. I also earned a Master’s degree in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. Over the years, I have navigated multiple school systems as a teacher, a parent, and an advocate.

3. What are the biggest challenges to the school district in the future?

Our school district is feeling many of the same pressures as other public school districts across the country: a sharp increase in special education and charter school costs, coupled with inadequate funding from both state and federal agencies.

Unfortunately, we also have a school board majority that has not been making fiscally conservative decisions for decades. They approve almost every expense request without scrutiny or oversight- forcing our taxpayers to bear the heavy burden of tax increases just to keep the school district afloat.

We lack policies and processes to ensure our schools are well maintained for the long term.