Kristin Larsen, School District Of Haverford Township Candidate

Kristin Larsen - School Director

Age (as of Election Day)

38

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Jon Larsen – spouse
Daughter – Pre-schooler
Son - Infant

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

My spouse, Jon Larsen, is Co-Vice Chair of the Haverford Township Democrats.

Education

Ed.D. Candidate in Reading/Writing/Literacy at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education

M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction: Multilingual/Multicultural Education from George Mason University

B.A. in German Language and Literature, and International Letters and Visual Studies/Film Studies from Tufts University

Occupation

I bring 16 years of experience as a professional educator, including roles as a certified K-8 ESL and content teacher, ESL program coordinator, and education researcher. I am currently a Multilingual Manager with the School District of Philadelphia's Office of Multilingual Curriculum and Programs and a member of Teamsters Local 502: CASA.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

School Director, School Board of the School District of Haverford Township (elected 2017)

Campaign website

https://www.facebook.com/Haver...

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking reelection to the School Board because I firmly believe that strong public schools are a cornerstone of our democracy. As an experienced public servant, professional educator, education researcher, and parent of two future district students, I have the experience, qualifications, and dedication it takes to ensure that SDHT continues to provide rich and equitable academic, social-emotional, athletic, creative, and extracurricular opportunities that allow our students to thrive.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Perhaps the most pressing issue facing SDHT and the School Board is our responsibility too provide students with rich educational and extracurricular opportunities both safely and responsibly in the time of COVID-19. This past year has presented SDHT and the School Board with an especially unique set of challenges. With the initial absence of strong federal leadership and a national strategy for tackling the virus, in tandem with Pennsylvania leaving many decisions around pandemic schooling up to local school districts, SDHT and the School Board have been tasked with safely reopening school buildings and putting strict protocols in place to mitigate the health risks to students and staff during hybrid learning, and more recently the return to 5-day in-person learning. Throughout the pandemic, I have read rapidly changing public health guidance, listened to and asked questions of public health and medical experts, heard the promises and challenges of virtual and hybrid learning from parents/guardians, students, teachers, administrators and staff, and discussed and debated issues related to pandemic schooling during many marathon School Board meetings. I am committed to continuing to work closely with SDHT Leadership and my Board colleagues to ensure that we do our absolute best to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions around pandemic schooling by utilizing all of the information and resources at our disposal.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

As the only incumbent School Director seeking reelection, I bring 4-years of School Board service paired with 16-years of experience as a professional educator, manager of education programs and education researcher. I also bring my experience working with students, families, teachers, staff, administrators, and community members at all levels of K-12 education. As a School Director, I have used my voice to advocate for greater equity and inclusion, increased transparency of SDHT operations to fellow School Directors and the public, and the safe and responsible transition to in-person learning during COVID-19. Further, I have served as a Board Policy Liaison and Curriculum Liaison, as well as the School Board Representative to the Parent/Guardian Equity Team. I have been a vocal supporter of the SDHT Belonging and Sociocultural Identities in Schools (BASIS) work, I supported the adoption of the Welcoming Schools Resolution, and I led the effort to craft the Antiracist School Climate Resolution. As the proud parent of two future SDHT students, I am deeply invested in the long-term strength, growth, and success of our schools.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou