School Director Candidate Spotlight: Jonathan Russell — Pennridge School District
The first installment of our series of interviews with school director candidates across Pennsylvania brings us to the Pennridge School District.
Jonathan Russell is running for school director in the Pennridge School District, located in Bucks County. He is a registered Republican and an attorney.
Why are you running for school board?
As a 23-year resident of the Pennridge School District and a husband and father of four, I have a vested interest in the success of our schools. The district needs to refocus on academic excellence and away from ideological advocacy. As a school board director, I want to ensure that policies and strategies are targeted to provide the necessary skill sets for all students to be prepared for college or careers upon graduation.
What are the most important issues facing your district?
1) Right-sizing the budget, given the decrease in student enrollment.
2) Promoting education over advocacy.
3) Parental Inclusion.
4) Greater transparency.
What is your professional background/experience? What skills would you bring to the board?
As a trial attorney for the past 32 years, I know how to resolve issues, even with my adversaries. I bring a logical, rational, and reasoned approach to problem solving. It has been said that I am, “the opposite of what gives attorneys a bad name.” I have been recognized as a “SuperLawyer” by Philadelphia Magazine for the past twenty years.
Additionally, I have over twenty years of experience in board governance with various non-profit organizations. This experience has enabled me to develop a collaborative approach to board engagement, which invites people to work with and not against one another.
Have you run for political office previously? Have you been politically active?
I was appointed to the school board in 2021 and then ran in 2023.
Are you running with other candidates?
Yes. Because Pennridge is not divided into regions, it seems to make the most sense to run as a team.
What is the most important role of the school board in your opinion?
To set policy and strategic direction for the school district.
