Get to Know Patience Lehrman - Candidate for Marple Newtown School Board

Patience Lehrman is a resident of Marple Township.  She has two children attending Russell Elementary School.  As a resident of Broomall for the past nine years, Mrs. Lehrman has actively served the community and wishes to further her service as a School Director for the Marple Newtown School Board.  She has served as an Inspector of elections in Marple Township’s 3rd ward for the last four years.

Mrs. Lehrman attended Temple University in Philadelphia where she earned both a Master’s Degree in Education as well as an MBA from the Fox School of Business. Patience appreciates the value that education provides and currently serves as Program Director of Project SHINE (Students Helping in the Naturalization of Elders), created in 1997 by the Temple University Intergenerational Center. Project SHINE is a multi-faceted national initiative that promotes immigrant integration through English language acquisition, citizenship and workforce preparation, health literacy and civic participation. By fostering partnerships between immigrant communities, colleges/universities, and local aging networks, SHINE is able to mobilize volunteers representing diverse ages and cultures to improve immigrant elders’ basic English skills, knowledge of U.S. history/civics, health literacy skills, and understanding of healthy aging practices.

Recently, Patience was honored by President Obama with the Citizens Medal, the second highest civilian honor conferred on citizens by the President of the United States (watch the White House video).  Patience will bring her considerable organizational, business and advocacy skills learned while working with a diverse community to the role of School Board Director.  Patience will support quality education and help to instill pride and excellence in the Marple Newtown School District.

When asked why she was running for the position of School Director, Patience said,

“I would like to lend my skills and expertise in supporting issues that pertain to the diverse needs of our students and teachers, ensuring that we can establish common ground while still embracing our diverse perspectives. As a citizen of this great nation, I am passionate about the role of education in leveling the playing field for all its children and the responsibility we have as citizens to make sure that each child gets a quality education. This is our only hope for a better future and a prosperous and more competitive America.”

Candidates for Marple Newtown School Board will be voted on in the Primary Election on May 21, 2013. Republicans and Democrats alike can support quality public education and strong public schools for our children and our community by voting for Patience Lehrman on May 21. For more information on other candidates, and to find out where you vote, visit our website at www.mndems.com.