Asian Americans for Change Fund Pennsylvania
School Board Candidate Survey Results
CENTRAL BUCKS
DAVID COMALLI
1. What experience do you have that has prepared you to be on the School Board?
My background in developmental psychology means that I’m well suited to understand how children learn and grow, and how to read and implement research findings. My job as Temple’s IRB Director means that I prioritize ethics and have extensive experience navigating committee meetings and developing a consensus when there is disagreement.
2. What do you think is the most pressing issue facing our school district right now?
The most pressing issue in the short term is hiring back the administration positions that were vacated as a result of the scandal at Jamison, particularly the superintendent position. In the long-term, the school district will need to diligently budget for the upcoming teachers’ contract as well as the needed renovations to our schools. Our students, and those that support them in the schools, deserve air conditioning.
3. Do you think schools should be maintained as sensitive locations for all students regardless of immigration status?
Schools should absolutely be a sensitive location for all students, regardless of immigration status. Children and teachers should not be concerned that their friends or students will be snatched away during the middle of a class or during arrival and dismissal.
4. Do you believe all students should have access to public education, regardless of immigration status?
Yes, our schools should be concerned with educating students and providing safe spaces for our children to learn and grow. They should not be concerned with checking immigration status or withholding learning opportunities.
5. Do you think school discipline is best handled by the principal’s office and school staff or by police officers in schools?
The vast majority of discipline issues can and should be handled by the principal’s office and school staff. Help and support from law enforcement can be appropriate when navigating violent threats or actions.
6. Do you support sex education classes in our schools?
Sex education should absolutely be taught in our schools. Our children will learn or hear about sex regardless, so it’s best that they get factually correct information from our qualified educators.
7. Do you believe it is important to teach all people’s histories in schools, including those of African, Asian, Latine, Native American, and European descent?
It is a long-held truism that those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it. Similarly, learning about and being exposed to other cultures, traditions, and histories is an enriching exercise that our district should embrace.
KATRINA FILIATRAULT
1. What experience do you have that has prepared you to be on the School Board?
I was a teacher for almost 14 years, 7 years teaching English as a second language and almost 7 years teaching school law and labor relations. I have a law degree and have practiced education law. I also have professional certification as an advocate for students with disabilities.
2. What do you think is the most pressing issue facing our school district right now?
Communication and transparency, long-range fiscal planning, and supervision of special programs as well as staffing shortages are all current needs of the district. In addition, I am concerned about the impact national politics will have on our local schools over the next few years. I think it is extremely important to elect school board directors that will continue to prioritize actual local needs and not allow national politics to undermine CBSD and its ability to provide every child in our community with an excellent education.
3. Do you think schools should be maintained as sensitive locations for all students regardless of immigration status?
Schools should absolutely be sensitive locations for all students regardless of immigration status. Nobody should feel afraid at school, for any reason.
4. Do you believe all students should have access to public education, regardless of immigration status?
Yes, all students should have access to public education.
5. Do you think school discipline is best handled by the principal’s office and school staff or by police officers in schools?
Students should only be disciplined by school staff. School Resource Officers and Police may need to assist to help quell a violent or dangerous situation, but they should not be responsible for disciplining students.
6. Do you support sex education classes in our schools?
Yes, schools should teach sex education as a component of health class because sex education addresses many public health concerns.
7. Do you believe it is important to teach all people’s histories in schools, including those of African, Asian, Latine, Native American, and European descent?
Teaching all people’s histories in an honest and accurate way is extremely important. It is a way of showing respect for everyone and greatly increases the benefits of studying history.
DANIEL KIMICATA
1. What experience do you have that has prepared you to be on the School Board?
I am a current board director. I was appointed last September and have been serving for 14 months. My wife and I have 3 boys with the two oldest in elementary school at Pine Run. Professionally, I’m an architect and believe my experience with construction projects, detailed budgets, and long-term planning are a unique perspective the board can benefit from.
2. What do you think is the most pressing issue facing our school district right now?
There are two main issues facing the district; navigating the uncertainty around state and federal funding, and following through on full-day kindergarten and grade realignment. Our opponents have spoken out against full-day kindergarten and realignment, but our slate of candidates are committed to seeing them enacted. Regarding funding uncertainties, I am committed to planning for what we can afford and paying for what we promise to the community.
3. Do you think schools should be maintained as sensitive locations for all students regardless of immigration status?
Yes. Immigration raids and enforcement actions near schools harm all students by creating fear and disrupting learning. Every child deserves to feel safe at school so they can focus on their education.
4. Do you believe all students should have access to public education, regardless of immigration status?
Yes. It isn’t our job to verify immigration status, it’s our job to educate children. Public education is a right and a cornerstone of our democracy. Our community benefits when all children have access to a quality education.
5. Do you think school discipline is best handled by the principal’s office and school staff or by police officers in schools?
School discipline should be handled by educators who know the students and understand the context in their buildings. Police should only be involved in emergencies or if there is a crime, not in routine discipline.
6. Do you support sex education classes in our schools?
Yes. I support comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education in our schools. It’s important for children to learn about these topics in a safe environment and from a trusted adult like a teacher. Sex education helps students make informed and responsible choices and promotes health and safety.
7. Do you believe it is important to teach all people’s histories in schools, including those of African, Asian, Latine, Native American, and European descent?
Yes. Our students deserve a full and honest education that reflects the diversity and history of our nation. Understanding all people’s histories exposes students to the personal stories of others and helps build empathy, critical thinking, and civic awareness.
AMANDA O’CONNOR
1. What experience do you have that has prepared you to be on the School Board?
I spent over ten years teaching in Pennsylvania public schools. I hold a Bachelor’s in Adolescent Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership, and I’ve written curriculum that has been approved both locally and nationally. Today, I’m a small business owner and active community volunteer, which has strengthened my skills in communication, collaboration, budgeting, and problem-solving.
2. What do you think is the most pressing issue facing our school district right now?
The major issues facing the district are unpredictability at the federal level, growing special education needs, and the successful implementation of full-day kindergarten and grade realignment.
3. Do you think schools should be maintained as sensitive locations for all students regardless of immigration status?
Yes, students can’t learn if they don’t feel safe.
4. Do you believe all students should have access to public education, regardless of immigration status?
Yes, every child who lives here is a part of our community and education is the bedrock of a thriving community.
5. Do you think school discipline is best handled by the principal’s office and school staff or by police officers in schools?
This depends on the situation but I think all parties mentioned in the question play a role in keeping our schools safe.
6. Do you support sex education classes in our schools?
Yes taught in developmentally appropriate times.
7. Do you believe it is important to teach all people’s histories in schools, including those of African, Asian, Latine, Native American, and European descent?
Absolutely and I did teach world history for over a decade.