Election 2023: Republican Stephen Mass 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 Stephen Mass is seeking election to the Central Bucks School Board in Region 1. Two candidates - incumbent Democrat Karen Smith and Republican Stephen Mass - are vying for one open seat on the board in Region 1.

Biographical Information

Name: Stephen Mass
Age:55
Town of residence: New Britain
Position sought: School Board director, Central Bucks Region 1
Are you an incumbent? No
Party affiliation: Republican
Family: Marion (wife), children Brian, Amanda and Eric
Education: Vanderbilt University, magna cum laud, BA English Literature; Duke University, M.D; Northwestern University, medical residency.
Occupation: Physician

Questions

Why are you running?

I am running to help reestablish the right priorities. After the pandemic, there was a devastating amount of learning loss. It was evident that some members of the board placed emphasis on social rather than academic issues. I’m running to affirm that educating our students toward a bright future and is our overwhelming priority. Our children were K-12 CB grads who they were able to take some excellent elements from their education and prosper subsequent to graduation. Future students should be able to do the same.

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

Creating the opportunity through solid academics is the single most important issue. Teachers, administration and the board need to work together to assess what has worked elsewhere, like the data driven approach successfully used in an Alabama district to improve math scores. We need to tailor such models toward our own students needs in all subject areas. Our teachers need to be given time to monitor progress and the ability to pivot to support individual students. The mental health crisis is equally important; our tackling it successfully as a community will enhance academic success. Involving vetted community organizations in schools with students and with parents for voluntary evening sessions allows for productive discussion, and trust building. I have met and spoken with Network of Victims Assistance (NOVA) about such programs. We need to consider expanding the work of the current board which includes support for additional mental health counselors, and a student services division that works for all students.

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

When I was a student, I had no inkling of whether my teachers were Republicans or Democrats. Most parents think this is the way it should be. I would keep the Neutrality Policy, which prohibits teachers from promoting any political agenda. I think we will all get along much better if we leave the politics at home, and teach the kids in a neutral environment. Voters should ask themselves why any candidate would be anti-neutrality. The much discussed book policy requires a civil and open discussion when our new board is in place. I read 10 of the challenged books, including the two that were removed from middle and high schools. From the start, I’ve been on the record as saying that most of what I read I would not have removed, but there were a few that warranted removal. I would amend the policy to limit the total number of books that could be challenged in a calendar year and by an individual parent.

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

If I am elected, the first thing I would like to change is the tone of the meetings and discussions. The task of the board is difficult in the best of times, but almost impossible when there’s so much acrimony. My job as a physician requires me to think critically, and to discuss things respectfully, remaining professional, even under trying circumstances.