NEWTOWN, PA — Following the resignation of Dave Espenshade, who won the May Republican primary but stepped down due to a job opportunity outside the area, Mitchell Smedley, a 2021 Council Rock graduate and Wrightstown resident, has officially announced his candidacy for the Region 9 seat on the Council Rock School Board.
The seat represents Wrightstown and Newtown Township Districts 1 and 2 on the board.
Smedley was shaped by Council Rock. As a student who was blind since birth, Smedley learned to conquer challenges at every step of his journey. At Council Rock, he was an honors student and went on to graduate Cum Laude with a dual major in communications and philosophy from Kutztown University.
Outside the classroom, Smedley has always been active in the community, especially in sports — participating in baseball, soccer, wrestling, and more.
In college, he was a standout in broadcasting — hosting multiple shows on Kutztown University Radio (KUR), leading the station as president, and covering nationally broadcast news. He also served as a paid writer and sports editor for the university newspaper.
“I’m proud to give back to the school community that helped shape who I am,” said Smedley. “As a recent Council Rock graduate, I bring a direct understanding of the challenges our students face and a deep commitment to academic excellence, transparency, and fiscal responsibility.”
Having experienced the disruptions of the COVID-19 era firsthand, Smedley said he understands the impact of remote learning and the importance of making decisions that truly prioritize students over politics.
Smedley said he is committed to bringing a fresh, student-focused perspective to the school board— one that supports measurable results, smart fiscal planning, and open communication with families and taxpayers.
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