Bridget Wiedeman, School District of Haverford Twp Board Candidate

HAVERFORD TOWNSHIP, PA — The 2023 primary election is coming up, and Patch is looking to give voters a closer look at who is running for office.

Below is a profile of School District of Haverford Township School Board candidate Bridget Wiedeman.

Name: Bridget Wiedeman
Age: 50
Gender: Female
Location/Town: Haverford Township
Party: Democratic, cross filed
Campaign website/social media: https://haverforddemocrats.com...

Why are you seeking a position on the school board?

Having served on the SDHT school board since 2018 and as Board President since 2021, I am proud of my track record on behalf of our schools and community. I want to continue my work with our District’s skilled administration and board to plan strategically for program enhancements and facility needs and to ensure that SDHT remains the high-quality, well-managed district in which our community has so much H-Pride. Public education contributes greatly to our democracy, workforce and well-being. I take seriously the responsibility of the school board to deliver a thorough and equitable education, to manage the community’s resources, to enact good governance, to support the whole child with a range of services and an inclusive educational experience, and to prepare students to engage in and contribute to our complex world.

What are your qualifications/experience?

I have served on the SDHT school board for 5 years and as VP or President since 2019. During my tenure, I have experienced many aspects of school board responsibilities for our district with over 6,600 students and nearly 1,000 staff: assessing student performance and educational programs, developing and enacting a strategic plan, overseeing and raising capital for over $60M of building projects including the new Lynnewood Elementary and expansions to Haverford High School, updating policies, negotiating contracts and personnel matters, approving a budget of over $135M that is 80% funded by local real estate taxes, activating board committees, engaging with the community, district staff and students, and other school board leaders, and advocating for our public schools.

Professionally, I have worked for 20+ years in the field of community development finance. I specialize in facility financing for nonprofit, largely government-funded, organizations that provide education and health services. To underwrite a loan, I assess an organization’s financial condition, facility plans and budgets, operating projections, and impact/benefit for the community. I also structure financing terms that mitigate the risks and support the success of the project, and I review legal documentation. I bring these skills to my service with SDHT.

What are three main issues you plan to take up in the district, and how will you do so?

Promote academic achievement for all students. Our curriculum must be robust, rigorous and result in demonstrated outcomes while responding to students’ different learning styles/needs. I am committed to utilizing performance data that identifies and addresses achievement gaps and to centering belonging and wellness so students can reach their fullest potential.

Sustainably plan for our growing enrollment. SDHT will soon need to undertake additional building projects to accommodate enrollment, offer new programs, and address facility inequities. As a steward of the district’s resources and the community’s investment, I will ensure these improvements are fiscally and environmentally sustainable.

Advocate for our public schools. I will advocate for more state/federal funding and for policies that value the professionalism of our teachers, keep our students safe, provide a broad curriculum, and allow us to dignify each student.

I have called Haverford Township my home since 2000.

My two daughters have attended and thrived in SDHT schools. My youngest is currently at Haverford High School, and my oldest is a recent graduate currently studying environmental engineering in college.

While my daughters were at Chestnutwold, I was active in the PTO and in-school and after-school programs. I served for several years on the PTO as Co-Treasurer, lead Art in the Classroom, was a co-leader of Roots & Shoots, and coached a STEM team. In middle school, I chaperoned the 6th grade trip to Canadensis and did career day. With high schoolers, I have been on the sidelines cheering for the Fords and capturing the action as their teams’ photographer.

I am a proud product of K-12 public education and have undergraduate degrees in finance and economics from Boston College and a master’s degree in public affairs for domestic policy and urban/regional planning from Princeton University.