Chris Shelton, School District of Haverford Township 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 Chris Shelton.

Name: Chris Shelton
Age: 58
Gender: Male
Location/Town: Havertown
Party: Democrat
Campaign website/social media: https://haverforddemocrats.com/school-board

Why are you seeking a position on the school board?
The primary motivation for me to seek a position as Director of the School District of Haverford Township (SDHT) is to advocate for a comprehensive sustainability plan for the district. In 2021, the Haverford Township Board of Commissioners approved a formal Climate Action Plan to set targets for greenhouse gas emissions and prepare our community for the impacts of climate change. There are a number of recommendations in the plan around residential and commercial energy utilization, transportation and waste management. However, Municipal Government is not the largest public user of energy or source of emissions in Haverford Township – the SDHT is. In addition to bringing energy savings to the district’s budget, a long-term sustainability plan will demonstrate commitment to building a sustainable future.

What are your qualifications/experience?
I have been a resident of Haverford Township since 1999. I have a Ph.D. in genetics and work as a Scientific Director in Oncology R&D for a pharmaceutical company. I am active with community youth programs, serving as a Scout leader in my son’s pack and troop, and being involved with my daughters’ Girl Scout troops. I am a board member of the district’s Band and Orchestra Parents (BOPs) association. My spouse works in the mental health field and we have three children, all of have attended schools in the district. My oldest child graduated from Haverford HS in 2017, and my two youngest children currently attend Haverford High School.

What are three main issues you plan to take up in the district, and how will you do so?
First, as outlined above, I will advocate for comprehensive sustainability plan for the district. The township has put in place a Climate Action Plan, supported by the environmental advisory committee. I plan to leverage the experience of what has been done for the township to establish sustainability goals and actions for the district. Our students are concerned about climate change, and such a plan will demonstrate commitment to building the future that they will inherit.

Second, I support the district’s strategic plan that includes building social and emotional wellness, diversity and inclusion. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives play an essential role in the district and in our community. In education, multiple perspectives and different lived experiences enhance critical thinking skills and promote success in a multicultural world. Quality of education is one of the top priorities for families moving to a district, and the SDHT plays an important role in promoting and welcoming an increasingly diverse population. I would expect my role to include proactively engaging with a range of stakeholders to determine whether the district’s efforts are successfully meeting student’s diverse needs.

Third, I will advocate for changes that support working families in the district. Full-day kindergarten and later or flexible start times for High School students are some of the changes that could be considered. Surrounding districts have adopted some of these changes: Upper Darby has implemented a flexible first block for high school students, and Lower Merion will be utilizing a later start time in the fall. It will be important to follow the success and learnings from these efforts, and bring what works to the district.

Who are elected official or political/community leaders who inspire you?
I am inspired by all locally elected leaders, regardless of political affiliation, who work long hours and typically without compensation, to make our communities better.

What are some other personal information details you want voters to know about you ahead of the election?
Each of my children have participated in the district’s outstanding music program, and I have a soft spot for the arts.