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 — Rodger Allen is running for a seat on the Bensalem Township School Board in the Nov. 4 general election.
Allen, 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: Rodger Allen Age: 23Town of Residence: Bensalem TownshipPosition sought: Bensalem Township School BoardAre you an incumbent? NoWhat Towns Does Your Position Cover? Bensalem TownshipParty Affiliation: DemocratFamily: I am a twin, and two sisters are also twins, and I also have a younger sister Education: Temple UniversityOccupation: Business owner (Home Health Care) Candidate Questions
1. How will the middle school debate impact the school board race?
It will impact the race greatly. For years, Republicans have delayed votes on this issue, especially during election seasons because they want to choose the most expensive option that raises taxes the most. They’re playing politics with our children’s education. At the end of the day, the schools don’t belong to the board they belong to the people, the families, and the kids who walk those halls every day.
2. What educational background do you bring to the position?
I’m college-educated and have spent over three-and-a-half years in classrooms, including seven months as a permanent fourth-grade math teacher. I’ve served as a substitute teacher across multiple grades, written scholarly journals that have been published, and I’m currently authoring my first book. Education isn’t just something I talk about, it’s something I’ve lived.
3. What are the biggest challenges to the school district in the future?
The biggest challenge will be funding and how it’s managed. The current Republican-led board has a long history of wasteful spending on flashy projects instead of focusing on classrooms. Because of that, taxes keep going up while schools still struggle. If we cut waste and invest wisely, we can finally put our resources where they belong: in our kids’ education.