Election 2023: Republican Dana Hunter For Central Bucks School Board

Candidates running in the Nov. 7 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.

CENTRAL BUCKS SCHOOL DISTRICT — Republican Dana Hunter is seeking reelection to the Central Bucks School Board in Region 2. Two candidates - Democrat Heather Reynolds and Republican Dana Hunter - are vying for one open seat on the board in Region 2.

Biographical Information

Name: Dana Hunter

Age: 48

Town of residence: Doylestown, Buckingham Twp.

Position sought: Central Bucks School Director - Region 2

Are you an incumbent? Yes

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: My husband and I have 3 boys. Jake graduated from CB East in 2023, Sam is a Junior at East and John is a 7th grader at Holicong Middle School. I have 9 nieces and nephews who will all attend CB schools.

Education: B.A. in Political Science and Public Administration from Elon University, N

Occupation: Homemaker

Questions

Why are you running?

I am running to continue to be part of providing a first-class educational experience to all students by enhancing access, opportunity and choice through the expansion of curricular programs, extracurricular programs, business partnerships, and the development of a STEM Academy to help all students achieve their goals and be successful.

2. What do you see as the top issues facing the district and how do you plan to address them?

We need to continue to focus on ways to support the mental and physical well-being of our students to ensure their ability to be their best and be able to learn and grow. I believe that our students’ mental health and wellness is of utmost importance. It’s why our current school board has aggressively supported the hiring of eight additional mental health counselors, and the formation of a student services division that encompasses a wide range of services and supports aimed at nurturing the well-being of all students.

I believe that students and staff need to feel safe and secure in order to learn and grow. It’s why our current Board fought for the provision of School Resource Officers at our three high schools, and security guards in each of our middle schools. I am willing to fight for anything that will provide our students, staff and parents with the feeling of safety and security they deserve.

Increasing opportunities for student achievement and growth by continuing to work with and support our administrators, teachers and staff on their needs to meet our shared goal of student success.

3. What policies would you change, revise, delete, or retain, and why?

I would like the board to consider changes to policy 903 Public Participation at Board Meetings. I would support prioritizing public comment for residents and staff. I am proud of the policies this board has passed. Policy 321 Partisan, Political or Social Policy Advocacy Activities providing an inclusive environment free from the promotion of any political or sociopolitical content- classrooms that do not exclude anyone because of their beliefs or values. I believe it is inappropriate for teachers to impose their political stances on the children over whom they have such influence. Policy 109.2 Library Resource Materials which prioritizes age-appropriate library materials where every student can see themselves in literature, be supported and respected without exposing them to graphic books that promote adolescent debauchery, complete with visual depictions of sex acts and other lewd descriptions of sexual contact and practices. Policy 123.3 Sex Based Distinctions in Athletics which separates athletic teams based on sex and preserves fairness, a safer playing environment, and increased opportunity for girls.

I also stand firm in parent notification if a child has requested a name or pronoun change. I do not believe that facilitating a child’s gender transition without including parents is an appropriate component of mental health. Keeping parents uninformed about pronoun changes, name changes and gender transition isn’t a form of mental health support – it’s operating under a veil of secrecy.

4. If elected, what would you fight to change or keep the same?

I would continue to focus on academic excellence, student growth and success. Niche.com ranked Central Bucks as one of the top districts in the county, and our three high schools (East, South and West) in the top 1 percent in the entire state. These rankings include academic achievement among other factors. U.S. News and World Report concurred, ranking Central Bucks among the best districts in the nation. Recently, Central Bucks East was named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the United States Department of Education, a recognition that only one-third of one percent of schools ever achieve. We need to continue to provide our administration, teachers and staff with the tools they need to continue the success of this district. We’ve enacted a dynamic strategic plan, and are actively pursuing large systemic changes to provide full-day kindergarten, move our middle schools to grades 6-8, and our high schools to grades 9-12. I want to be part of the planning and continued growth and success of this amazing district.