LaTonia Lee, 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 LaTonia Lee.

Name: LaTonia Lee
Age: 44
Gender: F
Location/Town: Haverford Township
Party: Democrat
Campaign website/social media: https://haverforddemocrats.com/school-board

Why are you seeking a position on the school board?

I want to bring my perspective as a Special Education Advocate to the already highly qualified School Board. I advocate weighing every decision through the additional lens of serving the widest array of student abilities in the classroom and in the district.

What are your qualifications/experience?

I am currently a Human Resources Director of Employee and Labor Relations in a highly unionized Health Care Environment. I have a BS in Business Management and a Law Degree (J.D.).

My professional experience includes positions in Real Estate, PA Department of Public Health (during the time of public health crisis), and the Philadelphia Department of Public Welfare. I also have experience with complex budget systems to include State and Federal grant applications and administration.

I am an education Surrogate for Delaware County as authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA). When appointed - I make education decisions for students without parent/guardian(s) to serve in that capacity. I support the student in their school district by attending IEP meetings, making educational decisions, and engaging outside support where necessary. I act as I would for my own children.

I am also the Co-Chair for the Delaware County Right to Education Task Force. I have the good fortune of interacting with Parents, Administrators, and County Support Professionals from School Districts in Delaware County. I am a member of the Council of Parent Attorney Advocates.

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

1. Academic Achievement for All - I plan to advocate for educating the widest array of abilities in our classrooms in the district. We can raise the achievement level for all students by educating the widest array of students in our classrooms.
2. Sustainable Investment for Growth - I plan to advocate for measures that include the widest array of opportunities for those with visible and invisible differences in our classrooms in the district.
3. Equitable and Inclusive Priorities - I plan to advocate for measures, systems, and definitions that include the widest array of those with visible and invisible differences in our classrooms in our district.

Who are elected official or political/community leaders who inspire you?

We are very fortunate to have some amazing leaders in Delaware County. I am inspired by Delaware County Council Chair -Dr. Monica L. Taylor, Representative Gina Curry, Representative Mary Gay Scanlon, Senator Amanda Cappelletti, Representative Jennifer O'Mara. I am grateful for their service and inspired by their resilience. I especially admire what these women did for students in general and those with special needs specifically.

More locally, I am inspired by Haverford Township Ward 9 Commissioner Candidate Monet L. Reilly (https://www.monetreilly.com). Her knowledge of Haverford and her passion for Ward 9 has truly inspired me to continue to look for ways to serve in my Community.

What are some other personal information details you want voters to know about you ahead of the election?

I am a proud mother and veteran in addition to being a Special Education Advocate. I have a 6th grader who receives special education services by way of HTSD and a 20-something who matriculated through Haverford Middle and High School. I appreciate what HTSD has to offer through my own experience and through my interactions with other Districts. Finally, I believe that service is the price I pay for all of the opportunities afforded to me.

Please see the following links for resources and ways that you can serve the students of Delaware County.

• Delaware County Right to Education Task Force (https://www.dciu.org/Page/772) (https://www.facebook.com/delcorighttoeducation). Connect with me through the Task Force. We welcome parent/stakeholder participation.
• Information about being an IDEA Surrogate Parent in Delaware County can be found on the website for the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (https://www.dciu.org/domain/387) and Right to Education Task Force facebook page. There is training and plenty of support for Surrogates!
• The Council of Parent Attorney and Advocates (www.copaa.org) has fantastic training and resources for Parents, Attorneys, and Advocates.
• C2P2 - Competence and Confidence: Partners in Policymaking (https://disabilities.temple.edu/c2p2/) Free: Up-to-date information, leadership training and skill building. National and local experts teach participants about the local, state and national issues that affect individuals with disabilities. I am a 2021 graduate of C2P2. This year long course of study is comprehensive and provides a fantastic framework for advocacy on every level.
• National Centers for Learning Disabilities (www.ncld.org) for up to date information on learning disabilities.