Election 2023: Janine Solley For Hatboro-Horsham 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.

HATBORO / HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —Janine Solley Brown is running as a Republican for re-election to the Hatboro-Horsham School Board in the Nov. 7 general election.

Solley is one of eight candidates vying for four school board seats along with Bill Daly, Denise DJ Schultz, Theresa E. Brown, Vince Varallo, Susan Hunsinger-Hoff, David Brown, and Kellie Hall.

Biographical Information

Name: Janine Solley

Age: 54

Town of residence: Horsham

Position sought: Hatboro Horsham School Board Director

Are you an incumbent? No

What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Hatboro and Horsham

Party affiliation: Republican

Family: Married. Blended family of five daughters with varied educational experiences, two graduated from Hatboro-Horsham and ECAT, one from Archbishop Wood and two from Neshaminy.

Education: Bachelor's: Temple University, Elementary and Early Childhood Education. Master's: WCU - Special Education

Occupation: Retired Teacher (retired early due to Multiple Sclerosis)

1. What are the top issues currently facing your position and how do you plan to address them?

Hatboro-Horsham is currently ranked No. 16 out of 21 in Montgomery County. It’s imperative that we do better for our students. We need to utilize assessment data across all academic areas and make necessary adjustments to the curriculum in order to meet the learning needs of all students. We must provide teachers and support staff with the necessary resources to help students achieve academic excellence. We must also implement policies that create a conducive and secure learning environment for students and staff focused on accountability.

2. Identify specific goals or ideas you have to enhance life in your position:

Across all districts there is a rise in security and safety concerns. I would encourage pursuing programs that promote a positive school culture with a clear sense of direction and accountability. One that address issues such as bullying and violence. I wish to increase transparency and communication between parents, administrators, the community and school board. We have a dedicated staff and I would pursue programs to improve workplace culture and staff support by providing adequate training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.
Because of declining test scores, I would pursue strategies for targeted support to help struggling students, especially in the areas of reading and math.

3. What in your experience or background prepares you for election to office?

I was a teacher for 24 years in Philadelphia. I hold five certifications and leadership roles, one as a Title One Coordinator. I taught all grade levels from Kindergarten through High School with a focus on Special Education. I also taught adjudicated juveniles in the Saint Gabriel’s System. My entire professional life has been focused on educating the most vulnerable children in our society. As a parent, I know how frustrating it can be when you’re not heard by school administrators, and I understand this as a teacher too. I am and always have been, someone who is approachable and accountable. I will continue to be that way serving on the School Board. As a member of the School Board, we are not only stewards of taxpayer funds, we are also their voice. I will always have an open-door policy.