Kelly Smolcynski — Rose Tree Media School District
Kelly Smolcynski is running for school director in the Rose Tree Media School District, located in Delaware County. She is a registered Republican and a lead data scientist.
Why are you running for school board?
I’m running to ensure that every family in our district feels informed, heard, and represented. As a parent and professional, I believe our schools should reflect the values of transparency, accountability, and excellence. I want to strengthen communication between the district and the community, support all students — whether they pursue college or not — and ensure that every dollar is spent wisely and with purpose.
What are the most important issues facing your district?
Communication and Trust: Families deserve timely, clear updates on major decisions. When communication breaks down, it erodes trust and creates unnecessary confusion. I support efforts to improve transparency because informed families are empowered families — and that leads to stronger community engagement and better outcomes for students.
Educational Investment: We must support both college bound students and those pursuing trades or other paths with a strong emphasis on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math). I believe in meeting students where they are and preparing them for the real world, whether that means a four year university, a technical program, or direct entry into the workforce. Expanding STEM opportunities equips students with critical thinking skills and opens doors to high demand careers. At the same time, we must recognize the growing demand for skilled tradespeople — plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and others — whose work is essential to our communities and economy.
Fiscal Responsibility: With large scale projects on the table, transparency and careful budgeting are more important than ever. As a data scientist, I understand the importance of making decisions based on evidence and long term impact. I support responsible spending because every dollar should directly contribute to student success and community trust.
What is your professional background/experience? What skills would you bring to the board?
As a lead data scientist and former polymer chemist, I bring a deep understanding of data, analytics, and problem solving. I’ve led large scale initiatives that required cross-functional collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and financial oversight. My experience in governance and reporting equips me to ask the right questions, analyze complex issues, and advocate for smart, student centered solutions.
Have you run for political office previously? Have you been politically active?
This is my first time running for office, but I’ve been actively engaged in the district for over 20 years. I believe in civic responsibility and stepping up when it matters most.
Are you running with other candidates?
Yes, I’m proud to be part of a bipartisan team of five candidates who are committed to putting students and families first. We come from diverse backgrounds but share a common goal: strengthening our schools through transparency, accountability, and collaboration.
What is the most important role of the school board in your opinion?
The school board’s most important role is to serve as a bridge between the community and the district — ensuring that decisions are made transparently, resources are allocated responsibly, and every student has access to a high quality education that prepares them for life beyond graduation.
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.
Vote Nov. 4th!