Because I am not yet eighteen, I am ineligible to vote in the upcoming election. So instead, I’ll share my two cents on the candidates here.

Jacob Rudolph: You’ve probably seen his signs—the ones with the red curly-haired boy scattered across lawns or appearing on Instagram ads. Rudolph, eighteen, recently graduated from Harriton High School. In the primary election, he ran as an independent on both the Democratic and Republican ballots, a strategy that improved his chances in a district that typically leans Democratic. Rudolph’s goals include expanding special needs education services, combating antisemitism, and refocusing the Board on students and families. I attended the School Board Open Forum on October 9, and it was clear to me that Rudolph was not on the same level as the other candidates. He read from pages of notes, lacked concrete policy plans, and even used his time to criticize incumbents Kerry Sautner and Amy Shurak, claiming the Board “ghosted” him while he sought an IEP. Not only was this inappropriate, but there are legal requirements for responding to parent evaluation requests, meaning his claim is unlikely to hold up. Some argue that having a recent student on the Board would bring a fresh perspective. However, I believe that no 18-year-old belongs on the School Board alongside members with decades of experience in the real world. If we want young student representation on the Board, then we should enhance the role of the student representatives rather than placing a barely-adult candidate in a position of full responsibility. Serving on the Board is a major responsibility with no salary, and the district needs individuals with mature, professional experience. I would not vote for Rudolph. 

Democratic Candidates Kerry Sautner, Amy Shurak, Juanita Kerber, and Jennifer Rivera: Sautner, the current School Board President, initially faced a setback after being removed from the ballot for failure to answer questions in her nomination petition but has since returned. She grew up in the district and currently serves as president and CEO of Eastern State Penitentiary. Together, Sautner and Shurak helped implement full-day kindergarten, adjust start times, and preserve Oakwell. Although I disagree with some of their past remarks, particularly Shurak’s comments downplaying her experiences with antisemitism and her decision to block a yard sign reading “Jewish students deserve to be safe on campus,” it is important to note that both she and Sautner have since supported antisemitism training initiatives through the ADL and other Jewish organizations. While I do not fully agree with all of their rhetoric, I believe experience on the Board matters. Without them, the next board would have only one person who has previously served, experience that is crucial for continuity and informed decision-making. Kerber and Rivera round out the Democratic slate. Kerber, a district parent, focuses on preserving the quality of public education and improving productive community engagement. Rivera, also a parent, brings over twenty years of experience in financial oversight and strategic planning. She emphasizes equity, inclusion, and support for educators. If I had to choose between the two, I would vote for Rivera because her background in finance would be valuable for managing the district’s budget, and her emphasis on advocating for both students and teachers is especially important.

Republican Candidates Talia Nissim, Deena Pack, and Omer Deckel: Nissim, a district parent, centers her campaign on fiscal responsibility, academic excellence, and transparency, with a strong emphasis on combating antisemitism. Pack, also a parent, prioritizes better communication between the Board and families, teacher support, and student safety. Deckel, an Israeli-American entrepreneur, focuses on promoting responsible use of artificial intelligence, accountability, and protecting students from bias or politicization in the classroom. I appreciate that these candidates are Jewish and openly pro-Israel, especially given the rise of antisemitism in our schools after  October 7. However, it is important to acknowledge that they are backed by the 1776 Project PAC, a conservative organization known for promoting a politicized and revisionist view of US history that downplays racism, undermines diversity efforts, and injects partisanship into education. During the forum, Pack stood out for her well-researched responses and understanding of district issues. If I were to vote for any of these candidates, it would be Pack or Deckel.

This election is about more than just names on a ballot. It is about picking candidates with the experience and dedication necessary to make decisions for our district. That is why, even though some of the candidates come from different parties, I would vote for those who I believe best represent the needs of the district. My support goes to candidates who combine experience with a commitment to equity, inclusion, transparency, and putting students and families first.