Rachel Fingles is a Democrat running for Bensalem School Board. She previously served in the position from 2017-2021.<\/p>\n
Why do you think you are qualified to effectively represent your community on the school board?\u00a0<\/p>\n
As a former board member, a Bensalem alumna, and the mother of two current Bensalem students, I\u2019ve seen our district from multiple angles and bring a unique mix of experience and perspective. My 4 previous years on the school board gave me hands-on experience with the responsibilities and challenges of the role. On day one, I\u2019ll be ready to get to work, because I already understand how the district operates and what\u2019s at stake for our families.<\/p>\n
Over the past few years we have seen attempts by some school boards across Bucks County, as well as Pennsylvania and the country, to either unilaterally ban books or make it easier for community members to challenge and have books banned, often by usurping the authority of librarians and administrative leadership. What is your position on book banning and how will you implement policies to support faculty and students?<\/p>\n
Book banning is a form of censorship that has no place in public education. It\u2019s a tactic used throughout history to limit access to ideas and silence diverse voices. <\/p>\n
READ: The Quiet Creep of Censorship: How \u2018Everyday Banning\u2019 Is Reshaping American Schools<\/a><\/p>\n Parents absolutely have the right to make choices for their own children, but they shouldn\u2019t be making those choices for everyone else\u2019s. I trust our educators and librarians; they are trained professionals who know how to select materials that are appropriate and enriching. As a board member, I\u2019ll stand behind them and protect students\u2019 right to read, learn, and think freely.<\/p>\n 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 role can a school board do to reverse this trend?<\/p>\n When teachers and staff feel respected, supported, and heard, they stay. I believe that the school board has a responsibility to help create that kind of culture. We can\u2019t attract or retain great teachers if we don\u2019t show them that their voices matter and their work is valued. That means open communication, leadership that listens, and fair contracts. Teachers and staff are the heart of our schools\u2014when they thrive, our students thrive.<\/p>\n My approach will always be to listen first, ask questions, and work toward solutions that reflect our community\u2019s values\u2014not political agendas.<\/p>\n What are the school board\u2019s biggest challenges in the coming months; the next four years?<\/p>\n Bensalem is facing major challenges as a district. From overcrowded classrooms and aging facilities, to rising costs and budget deficits, there are big decisions to be made about how to plan responsibly for the future. These are complex issues that require transparency, long-term thinking, and community input. I believe our school board has to balance what\u2019s best for students with what\u2019s fair to taxpayers. The families of Bensalem deserve a board they can trust to make thoughtful, forward-looking choices that put students first.<\/p>\n How will you work with administrators and fellow board members to address the district\u2019s biggest challenges?<\/p>\n Collaboration starts with respect. I believe in open, honest communication and in building relationships rooted in trust. Even when we don\u2019t all agree, keeping the focus on what\u2019s best for students helps us find common ground. My approach will always be to listen first, ask questions, and work toward solutions that reflect our community\u2019s values\u2014not political agendas. When we keep students at the center of every conversation, we can find common ground and move the district forward together.<\/p>\n Bensalem CANDIDATE Q&A\u2019s:<\/p>\n School Board Candidate Q&A: Rodger Allen \u2013 Bensalem School District<\/a><\/p>\n