Council Rock School Board Primary Election: Linda Stone, Region 5

Candidates running in contested races in the May 16 primary election have been invited to
provide background about themselves and their positions on the issues to voters in these profiles, which will run in Patch individually for each candidate.

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA — Linda Stone is running as a Democrat for an open four-year-seat on the Council Rock School Board in Region 5. She is challenging cross-filed incumbent school board president Ed Salamon.

Biographical Information

Name: Linda Stone

Age: Old Enough to know better, young enough to learn!

Town of residence: Upper Holland

Position sought: Council Rock School Board Director, Region 5

Are you an incumbent? No

What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Northampton Township, including parts of Holland and Upper Holland.

Party affiliation: Democratic

Family: Mother of two married sons, grandmother of two.

Education: Bachelor's Degree, Biology; Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)

Occupation: Retired HR professional; Substitute Teacher

Questions

1. Why are you running?

I am deeply concerned with the national trend of banning books, censorship and avoiding historically-accurate teaching. These trends, supported by extremist groups, are undermining the educational standards of our schools and the safety of our children and communities. As a 30+ year resident in the Council Rock district, I am also concerned with responsible use of our taxes. Since retiring, I have an opportunity to give back to my community and address the issues that will affect the futures of all of our children and grandchildren.

2. What are your top issues and how do you plan to address them?

It is imperative that our children are provided with the highest quality education in a safe environment. Our goal should be to prepare children for a successful future in our diverse world, with an emphasis on the skills needed to get there: critical thinking, problem solving and a passion for learning. I would ensure that the Board is not influenced by extremist groups that want to limit access to age-appropriate information, and who want to politicize our school decision making. The Board needs to listen to concerns of ALL parents, and make sound decisions in the best interest of ALL students.

I would also ensure that the Board provides strict oversight of expenses and projects and not be short-sighted in planning decisions. The Board must be fiscally responsible without forsaking programs needed by our schools and students.

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

My experience raising children and as a substitute teacher has given me great insight into the challenges teachers face. As a Human Resources professional, I have heeded suggestions from stakeholders like employers, employees, and customers to initiate compromises that contributed to the success of an organization. I would use these experiences to bring reason to decision making on the Board. I participated in various committees at Pennsbury H.S., which enlightened me on the essential training our students need. My work in the homeless shelter in Lower Bucks allowed me to recognize that no matter the circumstances, all children deserve leaders who put them first.