Election 2023: Shelly Eilenberg for Centennial School Board, Region 3

Candidates running in the May 16 primary 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.

WARMINSTER, PA —Shelly Eilenberg is seeking re-election in the May 16 primary election for one of two, four-year terms in Region 3 for the Centennial School Board.

Eilenberg is vying for a four-year school board term against former school board member Michael E. Hartline. Both have cross-filed for the position.

Biographical Information

Name: Shelley Eilenberg

Age: 53

Town of residence: Warminster

Position sought: School Board Director

Are you an incumbent? Yes

What Towns Does Your Position Cover? Warminster, Region 3

Party affiliation: Democratic

Family: Married with 1 child in the district

Education: Two years of college, Business Management

Occupation: Bucks County Office Clerk

1. What are the top issues currently facing your position and how do you plan to address them?

I would say our focus right now is security in our schools, student and staff mental health support, as well as making certain the annual budget is ready to go for next year. The safety and security of our students is paramount! We have taken so many steps in the area of security. Adding a new position, School Police Officer/Supervisor of School Safety and Security, to oversee the security of the school district is a big step in the right direction. The district administration and the school board directors have had this at the top of the list for years, however, this is going to really fine-tune all aspects of security in the district.

Identify specific goals or ideas you have to enhance life in your position:

Regarding student mental health. We have been able to work with teachers, guidance counselors, and counselors to provide support for our students in need. Our administration has been phenomenal in keeping the focus on social-emotional learning as a component of learning in our classrooms.

Regarding the budget, we are focused on making certain staffing and programs are supported, while also making sure any possible tax increases are minimal. Something some folks may not know is that the state makes a recommendation each year to the Pennsylvania school districts regarding possible tax increases.

For the past three years, we have come in under those recommendations. Several years prior, the school board directors were asking for an exemption to increase taxes well over the recommendation of the state. Also, I think giving our seniors a tax break is necessary. We have been working to create a program and it is still ongoing. I am optimistic that we will get there.

We have seen so much progress this past year! Partnering with our administration to keep our students moving in the right direction academically. They have done an amazing job in closing the gap in learning by offering programs to students who need a little extra time and support over the summer to be the best learner they can be. Programs have seen amazing returns for the students.