Ashley Padula — West Chester Area School District
This installment of our series of interviews with school director candidates across Pennsylvania brings us to the West Chester Area School District.
Ashley Padula is running for school director in the West Chester Area School District, Region 3, that includes municipalities in both Chester and Delaware Counties. She is a registered Republican and works as an oncology nurse case manager.
Why are you running for school board?
I’m running because I care deeply about the future of our students and the strength of our local schools. As a mother of two daughters in the district, I’ve experienced both the positives and the challenges of our education system. I want to be a voice for parents, students, and teachers — to ensure our schools remain places where students thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
What are the most important issues facing your district?
Some of the biggest issues facing WCASD right now include:
Academic performance: Test scores and proficiency rates have declined, and we need to refocus on strengthening our core academic programs.
Transparency and trust: Families deserve clear, open communication from the school board and administration, especially around curriculum, spending, and district goals.
Fiscal responsibility: We need to ensure our tax dollars are being spent wisely and that every budget decision reflects our community’s values.
Student well-being: We must continue to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students, with attention to both academic and emotional needs.
Parent involvement: Families should have a seat at the table when important decisions are made that impact their children’s education.
What is your professional background/experience? What skills would you bring to the board?
I’ve been a registered nurse since 2014 and currently work as an oncology nurse case manager for a major insurance company. In that role, I manage care plans for patients, coordinate services, and advocate for individuals and families — often in emotionally charged and complex situations. It has taught me to listen carefully, think critically, and work efficiently under pressure, skills that are essential to being an effective school board member. As a nurse, I am uniquely skilled at listening to people from all walks of life, valuing diverse perspectives, and building consensus even when opinions differ. My work demands an inclusive, compassionate approach, one that I bring with me into every part of my life, both personally and professionally. I believe that strong communities are built when all voices are heard and respected.
I also bring lived experience as a parent with two children currently enrolled in the district. I understand the concerns families have and the expectations they hold for our public schools. I’ve been active in my community for years and am committed to building bridges between the school board and the families it serves.
Have you run for political office previously? Have you been politically active?
Yes. In 2021, I was elected as the Tax Collector in Westtown Township. While the role is limited in scope, it gave me insight into how local government operates and the importance of serving constituents with integrity and transparency. I’ve also been involved with the Westtown-Thornbury Republican Committee. However, my campaign is focused on our students — not politics — and I’m proud to have support from voters across the political spectrum.
Are you running with other candidates?
I am not running as part of an official slate, but I do support other candidates who share my commitment to transparency, student achievement, and responsible governance. I enjoy working alongside others who put students first — regardless of party affiliation — and I’m proud to have the support of many community members who believe in my student’s first mission.
What is the most important role of the school board in your opinion?
The school board’s most important role is to provide leadership and oversight that ensures every student receives a high-quality education. That means setting goals, approving budgets, hiring and evaluating the superintendent, and making sure policies reflect the best interests of students, families, and staff. The board should also act as a bridge between the community and the district — listening to concerns, asking tough questions, and maintaining transparency and accountability. Ultimately, the school board should always be guided by one question: “Is this putting our students first?”
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.
Another informative recap of the candidate