Chelsey Lewis, Bedford School Board Candidate

Chelsey Lewis

Age (as of Election Day)

40

Position sought (including district number if applicable)

School Board, 3 Year Term

Party Affiliation

School board is a non partisan seat

Family

David Lewis (spouse), Jacob (10), Hannah (7), Furball (labradoodle), Poppy (labradoodle). My daughter is in the intensive needs program in Bedford, so I have first hand knowledge of the special education system.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor of Science Molecular Biology and Microbiology 2004 (University of Central Florida), Medical Doctorate 2008 (University of South Florida)

Occupation

Vascular Surgeon, 15 years (10 years post residency)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

https://www.chelseylewisforbed...

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am running for school board because I believe in public education, and I believe in public service. I feel that ensuring the delivery of a quality education to our kids is the most important service that we can provide our community. I want to be a part of that.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

In addition to maintaining the high quality education program that Bedford provides, making sure that we are discussing the emotional and social well being of our students and educators.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

There are 5 individuals running for 2 seats, so everyone has varying view points. A few examples of where I vary from some of the other candidates are on issues dealing with parental rights, school choice, and guns in school. I unequivocally do not believe that guns should be allowed in any capacity other than with a trained law enforcement officer on school grounds. I believe that teachers should be trusted to use their training to teach our students uncensored history, without fear of repercussion. I also believe that our tax dollars should stay in the public school system when possible.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I don't think there have been any failures. I do think that change is good, and a fresh perspective keeps us from getting complacent. I would like to contribute to the wonderful school system here in Bedford.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

In addition to trusting our teachers, as I outlined above, I have two additional platform items. The first is inclusivity, which includes the inclusivity of all types of learners. This ranges from kids with special education needs all the way to high ability learners (and all those in between),as well as inclusivity of those who look, think, and act "differently." I believe we owe all of our kids a safe space to learn at their highest ability, and a safe space to be themselves. The second is accountability. We must be accountable first and foremost to our kids, and to our educators, but also to the parents, and to the tax-payers.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a physician, a huge part of my job is communication, which is critical on the school board. I paid my own way through medical school. I was the first doctor in my family. I had my first child while I was a chief surgical resident and my husband was also working as a full-time surgeon. I have run multiple marathons while working as a full time surgeon with two kids and a spouse who works full-time. I have spent most of my adult life working hard with multiple balls in the air. I thrive in the setting of a new challenge. Most recently, I started a PAC with a colleague to raise money to support healthcare workers running for federal office. I was in the role of director of finances, which will be very helpful when budget season comes around.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Accept the things you cannot change, have the courage to change the things that you can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I think that covers it. Thank you for this opportunity.