BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA — The new leaders of the Bensalem Township School Board have some big plans for the school district’s future.
Now holding a Democratic majority after Monday night’s meeting, School Board President Deborah King and Vice President Stephanie A. Gonzalez Ferrandez spoke to Patch about some of their ideas and goals over the next few years.
King said the school board’s mission moving forward is simple: “Keep children at the heart of every decision.”
“We aim to improve communication, enhance trust, and support meaningful progress across all Bensalem schools,” King told Patch. “From championing academic excellence to planning the development of a new campus-style middle school, our focus is on creating safe, innovative, and supportive spaces where students and educators can excel. By working openly and collaboratively, we will continue to move Bensalem forward.”
“For the first time in the six years that I have served on our school board, I woke up (Tuesday) morning, heading into my seventh year, with the happy realization that we will be able to plan,” Ferrandez told Patch. “That sounds a little boring, but it is actually an incredible opportunity.”
Ferrandez said the school board can develop plans for two years, five years, and even 10 years with “measurable and attainable goals,” covering more than just a middle school project.
“And we can take action,” she said. “We need no longer be confined by external political goals, which have plagued the Bensalem School Board, nor internal interests, which can develop in any bureaucracy. This will not be an easy task given some of the challenges our community faces.”
King outlined numerous points she would like to set during her tenure:
1. Commitment to Transparency
I am committed to strengthening trust by ensuring open, accessible, and honest communication between the school board, families, staff, and the community.
Decisions will be guided by clarity and openness so that every stakeholder feels informed and included.
2. Prioritizing Effective Communication
I will work to create consistent channels that keep parents, educators, and residents informed about district initiatives, progress, and challenges.
My goal is for families to feel heard, valued, and supported through meaningful engagement.
Keeping Children at the Center
Every decision we make must be rooted in what is best for our students—academically, socially, and emotionally.
I will advocate for policies and resources that enrich student learning, promote safety, and support the whole child.
4. Leading Positive Change
I aim to foster a culture where innovation is encouraged, and solutions are implemented with purpose and collaboration.
Positive change starts with listening to our community, understanding needs, and working together to achieve impactful results.
5. Supporting the New Middle School Initiative
I’m honored to help guide the planning and development of a new, campus-style middle school that reflects the growth, diversity, and future of Bensalem.
This project presents an opportunity to design a space that supports modern learning, student engagement, and community pride.
6. Strengthening All School Buildings & Teaching Environments
I will advocate for the structural, instructional, and safety needs of every school in the district.
Our teachers and staff deserve facilities and resources that empower them to deliver high-quality education.
Investing in our buildings is investing in our children’s future.
7. Working Collaboratively With the Board & Community
Leadership doesn’t happen alone. I look forward to working collaboratively with fellow board members, administrators, educators, and families.
Together, we can create solutions that support excellence across the entire district.
“We will not always agree on steps and goals, nor do I speak for everyone,” Ferrandez said. “But I believe our new majority shares a common motivation to move the district in the direction of uncompromised educational excellence for every student and family, grounded in their emotional well-being and daily realities. This will enrich the quality of life for our entire community.”