Election 2023: Democrat Nicole Khan For Council Rock 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.

COUNCIL ROCK — Democrat Nicole Khan is seeking election to the Council Rock School Board in Region 9. Two candidates - Democrat Nicole Khan and Republican Stephen Nowmos - are vying for one open seat on the board in Region 9.

Biographical Information

Name: Nicole Khan
Age: 44
Town of residence: Wrightstown
Position sought: Council Rock School Director, Region 9
Are you an incumbent? No
Party affiliation: Democrat
Family: My family and I have been Council Rock community members for 19 years. My son is in 4th grade in CRSD and we have a 1 1⁄2 year old rescue lab named Zara.
Education: Masters in Elementary Education (PA K-6 Level II Certification)
Occupation: Homemaker

Questions

Why are you running?

I am a first-generation immigrant, and my early childhood years were spent in and out of foster homes. I did not have the opportunity to go to school until my brother and I were adopted and came to this country when I was seven. I grew up in a small, rural town, in a blue-collar family. I know from first-hand experience the importance of a quality education. When we relocated to this area, I had recently graduated with my Master's in Elementary Education, and I specifically chose Council Rock for its educational reputation. I would bring a unique perspective to the school board because of my personal background, experience as a former teacher and as the parent of a current CRSD student, and my previous PTO board member work, as well as my community leadership in advocating for our CR students over the past three years. In my years as an educator, I was a lead teacher, mentor, and Dean of Students. I have a deep passion for education and am keenly aware of the difficulties, challenges, and persistence it takes to have high-achieving schools. I know what hard work and an excellent education can get you. Every child in Council Rock should have the opportunity to receive a top-notch education while feeling safe and welcome. I want to ensure the continued future success of Council Rock and our community.

What do you see as the top issues facing the district and how do you plan to address them?

One of the top issues the district is facing, like many other districts, is the challenge of getting back to the work of educating all our students in a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment. We need to work on our relationships within our community to build trust for our administrators. We need to enable our teachers to do their jobs, which many of us parents know are rewarding yet challenging. We need to continue to address learning loss, mental health, bullying/discrimination and ensure that the district and board members are open, communicative, and transparent in their policies, procedures and civic duties. The only way to address this is through hard work, dedication, and being engaged in our community. I will work hard to communicate, advocate and always make decisions that are in the best interest of all our children.

What policies would you change, revise, delete or retain and why?

I would work with the administrators, teachers, community members and board members to implement, follow and adhere to policies that always put our students first. This includes the opportunity to teach and learn in an environment that is preparing students for the 21st century.

If elected, what would you fight to change or keep the same?

I have and always will continue to advocate to ensure that every student in CR has the opportunity to succeed to their fullest potential. Council Rock has a reputation to uphold as being one of the top public schools in our area. I will work to continue to raise the bar and provide the best education we can for all our students. I know that all parents want the best for their children. We all want our children to grow to become successful lifelong learners and critical thinkers who are contributing members to our local and global community. I will work hard to make sure we provide the opportunity so every child can learn, grow, thrive and succeed in a safe and inclusive environment.