Former Council Rock Teacher To Run For School Board

NEWTOWN, PA – A long-time resident of Newtown Borough has announced a run for Council Rock School Board. Mariann McKee, a retired professional educator, will seek to represent Region 1, which includes Newtown Borough and Newtown Township Districts 4, 5, and 6.

She will face Kathleen Mulholland, who was appointed to the Council Rock School Board in July to finish out the term left vacant by Bill Foster.

McKee taught elementary school for 32 years, with the majority of her career spent at Council Rock's Goodnoe Elementary School.

“I had the honor and the privilege to partner with parents and fellow teachers to work with the best kids in all of Bucks County,” McKee said. “In the decades that I taught at Goodnoe, I was a part of an amazing community that recognizes the value of quality public education and works hard to ensure that our schools reflect the very best of our community.”

McKee served as Council Rock Education Association President, leading efforts to secure teacher contracts.

Former Newtown Borough Mayor Dennis O'Brien is chairman of her campaign.

“Mariann’s leadership style is one of listening and bringing people together, she has a track record for uniting in situations that could have easily devolved into divisive camps,” O'Brien said. “While neighboring districts faced program cuts and tax hikes, Council Rock maintained its high quality educational programing.”

McKee says property values depend on a quality school district.

"As a retiree and taxpayer, I understand the need to provide educational excellence in the most cost efficient way possible,” McKee said. “I want to make sure we are doing all we can to make Council Rock the most successful district so that we can compete for the best and brightest teachers for our kids.”

McKee received her undergraduate degree from La Salle College (now University) and her master's in Education from Chestnut Hill College. She joined Council Rock School District in 1987, teaching at both Rolling Hills and Goodnoe elementary schools.

She's also active in a variety of community organizations and events, including The Newtown Library Company, Newtown Arts Company, Middletown Grange Fair, Aid for Friends, Newtown Market Day, March of Dimes and The Peace Center.

She lives in Newtown Borough with her husband Ron Ricci and their dog, Chester.

Patch file photo