School Director Candidate Spotlight: Jason Saylor — Perkiomen Valley School District
This installment of our series of interviews with school director candidates across Pennsylvania brings us to the Perkiomen Valley School District.
Jason Saylor is running for school director in Perkiomen Valley School District, located in Montgomery County. He is a registered Republican and has resided in Skippack since 2006 with his family.
Why are you running for school board?
I am running for re-election. I don’t believe my work on the school board is done. I remain deeply engaged in the community and passionate about the future of our public schools. I also want to encourage more dedicated citizens to run for office — those willing to put in the time, do the research, and make informed decisions. Serving as a school director is one of the most demanding and time-intensive roles in local government — and one of the few unpaid elected positions. But I believe strongly in its impact, and I want to continue leading by example.
What are the most important issues facing your district?
A primary focus of my re-election effort is fiscal responsibility. I believe our district is approaching a financial crossroads, and we must take a hard look at spending priorities, streamline operations, and eliminate waste — especially within the administrative structure.
What is your professional background/experience? What skills would you bring to the board?
First and foremost, I am a proud American citizen and a resident of this school district — which are the most fundamental qualifications for public office. I firmly believe we should not impose unnecessary litmus tests for civic participation beyond what’s constitutionally required. In terms of experience, I bring 3.5 years of service on the school board, including two years in leadership as Board President. This hands-on experience has given me valuable insight into district operations, budgeting, and community engagement.
Have you run for political office previously? Have you been politically active?
Yes, I ran and was elected four years ago.
Are you running with other candidates?
Yes, Rowan Keenan, Don Fountain and Russ Larson
What is the most important role of the school board in your opinion?
Wow, this is a great question and forgive me for such a long answer.
The primary responsibility of the school board is to ensure that the educational system operates in a way that is accountable, effective, and serves the best interests of students, parents, and taxpayers. Unlike a Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), which is primarily focused on supporting the school community and fostering positive relationships, the school board’s function is fundamentally one of oversight, governance, and accountability.
- Accountability to Taxpayers and Parents:
The school board is entrusted with managing taxpayer funds and ensuring that they are used efficiently. It is our duty to demand transparency in the financial decisions made by the administration and ensure that those funds are being allocated toward programs and initiatives that provide the highest educational value to students. The school board must hold the administration accountable for its actions, ensuring that it aligns with the community’s values and expectations. - Implementation of a Rigorous Educational System:
The board is responsible for maintaining and demanding the highest educational standards. This means implementing a curriculum that challenges students and prepares them for success in college, careers, and life. Our role is not to rubber-stamp every proposal put forward by the administration but to critically assess whether those proposals will truly enhance the quality of education, whether they adhere to high academic standards, and whether they reflect the best interests of all students. - Acting as an Independent Check on the Administration:
One of the most vital roles of the school board is to act as a check on the administration. The board must not simply agree to every initiative proposed by the administration but should question, investigate, and demand answers. This requires a willingness to challenge the status quo, seek out evidence, and sometimes say “no” when necessary. We must ask the tough questions: Is this policy in the best interest of students? Is the proposed program effective? How will it be measured and evaluated? And importantly, what is the impact on taxpayers? - Upholding the Core Values of the Community:
The school board must ensure that the educational system reflects the values of the community it serves. We must be vigilant in protecting academic freedom, parental rights, and ensuring that the curriculum remains focused on core academic principles. This includes safeguarding students from any attempts to introduce ideologically-driven content that detracts from educational goals. - Being the “Umpire” in the Educational Process:
In essence, the school board is like an umpire in a game—it doesn’t play for either team but ensures the rules are followed and that the game is fair. We must call “balls and strikes” when it comes to policy decisions and hold both the administration and outside interests to the same standards. If the administration is out of line, it is the board’s duty to step in and correct course, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.
Please list any campaign websites and social media sites.
We contacted the Democratic and Republican committees in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, and Montgomery counties and asked them to share the questions with their school director candidates. Broad + Liberty will post the responses throughout the summer to assist voters in learning about the candidates running in their district. The series is open to any school director on the ballot in November. Please contact barosica@broadandliberty.com for more information.
