Betty Santoro — Central Bucks School District

This installment of our series of interviews with school director candidates across Pennsylvania brings us to the Central Bucks School District.

Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Santoro is running for school director in Central Bucks School District, Region 3. She is a registered Republican and a retired school district administrator.

Why are you running for school board? 

I am running for school board because I care deeply about education and believe every student deserves to learn, thrive, and succeed in nurturing, safe, and caring schools. As a retired educator of 37 years, as a teacher, principal, director of special education/student services, and director of elementary education, I will bring my knowledge, expertise, and dedication to the Board.

What are the most important issues facing your district?

Currently, CBSD taxes continue to increase well over the Act 1 index while enrollment and academic proficiencies continue to slip. Since 2023, the district has had four superintendents and three solicitors. In addition, eight elementary schools are slated for renovations at the same time. Poor planning, inept decision making, and lack of trust permeates the district and community. Tax payers are concerned with the lack of transparency and accountability from the current Board leadership.

What is your professional background/experience? What skills would you bring to the board?

My background and experience includes elementary teacher, elementary principal, director of special education/pupil services, and director of elementary education. I possess strong, fair, and authentic leadership skills. My passion and commitment to students, staff, parents, and the community will be evident in my actions and advocacy for all. My effective communication skills along with my extensive knowledge of budgets, curriculum, special education, and school safety will serve as an asset to the board.

Have you run for political office previously? Have you been politically active?

I have never run for a political office. I am active with the Warrington Republican Committee.

Are you running with other candidates?

Yes, I am running with three other candidates: 

Roman Szewczuk — Region 3

Sharon Beck — Region 3

Andrew Miller — Region 2

What is the most important role of the school board in your opinion? 

In my opinion, a school board is responsible for governing the district by ensuring all children receive a high quality education which includes: well trained teachers and staff, effective resources, efficient budgets, and accountable administrators.

Please list any campaign websites and social media sites.

We are currently working on a website which should be up and running soon: “CARE (Community Advocates for Responsible Education) for CBSD”.

We also have a Tiktok site: CBSD Matters

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.