School Director Candidate Spotlight: Rhoda O’Donnell — Wallingford Swarthmore School District

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

Rhonda O’Donnell is running for school director in the Wallingford Swarthmore School District, located in Delaware County. She is a registered Republican and works as an Assistant Director at University of Pennsylvania and a realtor with Weichert Cornerstone in Wayne.

Why are you running for school board? 

To put into place a school director that cares, listens, responds, and works for all district residents.

What are the most important issues facing your district?

The most important issue above all are the planned tax increases, following that are the issues of the fifteen year late/behind facility updates and repairs, and creating a district that is a home for all students, staff, and families. Another important issue is the current school board has no expertise in facilities management, construction management, or budget management and that is a disservice to the constituents. 

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

Most importantly, I bring my experience as a mother of two children who graduated successfully from the district. I also bring a background in construction and facilities management, budget management, and working as a navigator between many types of constituents. I have a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts degree in Political Science from Villanova University.

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

Years ago, I requested consideration for a two month temporary appointed position for the school board and was not selected. I have not been politically active in the past.

Are you running with other candidates?

For school board in Swarthmore Region 3, I am the only candidate on the Republican ballot.

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

The most important role is to serve the voting constituency. This service must include answering every inquiry and listening with empathy, intent, and action to the voices of the constituents. The school board is the only representative for the voters that gives them a voice in the school system, it is a very serious assignment. The school board is intended to be non-partisan, it is the only way to ensure representation for ALL residents in public education.

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.