LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — With the 2025 municipal election growing ever close, voters need to be informed of who will be on their ballots Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Below is a profile of Jennifer Rivera, who is running to become a Lower Merion School Director.

Name: Jennifer Rivera
Age: 40
Gender: Female
Location/Town: Bala Cynwyd, PA
Position Sought: Lower Merion School District Board of Director
Party: Democrat
Campaign website/social media: https://www.electlmsd.com/; https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575318015677; https://www.jenniferlrivera.com/

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What are some of the toughest challenges local teachers face in 2025?

From my conversations with teachers in the District, there are significant challenges that they are facing everyday. Many experience burnout due to increasing responsibilities. Educators struggle with a growing student mental health crisis, marked by rising rates of anxiety and depression. Finally, teachers must continuously adapt to new educational technologies, evolving curriculum standards, and shifting educational policies all while striving to maintain high-quality instruction and student engagement.

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But these challenges also present an opportunity. Prioritizing teacher support through comprehensive wellness programs, continuous training, and strong community ties can restore teachers’ balance and resilience, allowing them to fully reengage in their vital work of shaping the minds and hearts of our students.

Does the prevalence of smartphones hinder students’ ability to retain lessons taught in school?

There are multiple studies that show that the prevalence of smartphones can hinder a student’s ability to retain lessons if their use is not properly managed. However, when families and schools work together to educate students on the responsible use of electronic devices, the impact can be minimized.

For example, our district enforces “Off and Away”, which requires that cell phones be turned off and stored away during instructional time. This policy helps to significantly reduce classroom distractions and helps students remain focused on learning. The district also includes these expectations in its Code of Conduct, with specific guidelines that may vary by grade level.

Ultimately, it’s a collective effort among families, educators, and students to reinforce the importance of following these policies. By doing so, we help students understand that responsible smartphone use is in their best interest and essential to maintaining a productive learning environment.

How do you plan to address school safety, as well as the rise in hoax threats toward schools?

School safety must be grounded in preparation, communication, consistency and accountability. I would work to ensure that the District has standardized safety procedures that are adhered to consistently across all schools. It’s important that we the District nurture and maintain a strong relationship with our Township partners including The Lower Merion Police Department helping to improve accurate and timely communication with students, parents and the community. As a baseline, the District must have annual safety training built into professional development for all staff. The district should regularly conduct structured debriefs to identify what worked, what can be improved, and where policies or protocols need to be updated. This process not only strengthens our readiness but also builds trust among students, families, and staff.

It’s equally important that families feel supported and informed. While I believe the district already has strong safety plans in place, I believe today’s evolving climate requires that the school board review all safety policies regularly and are agile in making improvements and updates in real time.

Are teachers in the district adequately compensated? If not, what should be done to address that.

Yes, I believe teachers in the Lower Merion School District are compensated fairly relative to neighboring districts. However, teaching remains one of the most demanding and under-rewarded professions when you consider the level of responsibility, expertise, and care required every day. We are fortunate to be part of a district that recognizes this through competitive pay and benefits, but we must continue to show respect for our educators by maintaining fair compensation, supporting professional growth, and ensuring that workloads are manageable so teachers can focus on what they do best, educating our students.

What can the district do to better support students who are struggling in school due to factors outside classrooms, such as food or housing insecurity?

Lower Merion is fortunate to have a community rich in resources and compassion, but even here, many students face challenges beyond the classroom that can deeply affect their ability to learn.

At several committee meetings I’ve attended, district leaders have reiterated my own beliefs that financial limitations should never prevent a student from fully participating in their education.

While housing and food security are critical, students also face challenges like divorce, family illness, abuse, and mental health crises. We need strong support systems—counselors, social workers, and trauma-informed staff—to help students navigate these difficulties.

I’m committed to ensuring the district fully implements Pennsylvania’s mandated programs addressing food and housing insecurity. This includes universal free breakfast, free and reduced-price lunches during the school year, and our summer partnerships with community organizations that provide daily free lunch sites for students. These programs are foundational, we must maintain and strengthen them.

As a district when we address food, housing, and emotional stability as learning issues, and not separate them, we give every student in our district the foundation to thrive.

As school board director a key priority will be to expand communication and outreach, ensuring all families are aware of the support services and resources available to them.

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