Joanne Holsten, Marple Newtown School Director Candidate

Joanne (Jodi) Holsten - Marple Newtown School Director

Age (as of Election Day)

62

Party Affiliation

Family

Erik 33 graduate of Columbia University now living and working in Manhattan as an Account Manager for an advertising firm.
Kyle 26 graduate of The University of Miami now living and working in DC as a Senior Associate for a marketing strategy company.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

NO

Education

Cardinal O'Hara (76) and classes attended in real estate and finance Villanova University

Occupation

Managing General Partner, co-owner small business for 30 years and Property manager of an apartment complex for 4 years. I served on the Board of Directors for the Parent Association at The Haverford School for 10 years, co-chairing the biggest fundraiser in 2011 and served for 4 years on the Parent Association at the University of Miami

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Minority Inspector Marple 5-3. Notary Public in the Commonwealth of Pa.

Campaign website

https://mndems.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I would like to give back to the community that I have called my home for most of my life and to provide transparency and diversity to the School Board to establish that our students have the best opportunity for an education that prepares every child for the world that they will lead someday.

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

Preparing children for higher education whether that is in academia or the trades. I intend to listen to the issues of the parents, students and faculty and make decisions based on merit that are best for the community regardless of party affiliation.

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

I am running with Sheetal Shah-Jani, Christopher Riviello and Laurie Lynch . We are "4 For Change" with a united platform of inclusion, diversity and transparency.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Exploring all day Kindergarten classes, Live Streaming the School Board Meetings and establishing more communication with a Parent Advisory board.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I was the Managing Partner of a very successful business for 30 years responsible for all the day to day decisions including preparing budgets, hiring, negotiating with underwriters and making all final decisions on problems to facilitate closings. I am most proud of my accomplishment of training my staff to be some of the most respected title agents in the industry. I understand what it takes to work together to get the job done.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Always remember that the glass is half full.
Keep your sense of humor.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I have lived, worked and raised my two boys in Marple Township and my passions are children and education. I want Marple Newtown Schools to offer the very best education to our children as they are our future and an educated community attracts equally passionate educated people which benefits our society. I want to be sure that there is diversity and inclusion so that every child feels that they are respected and worthwhile. I want MN Schools to attract home buyers to the Marple and Newtown Townships and raise the level of the rankings to that of the surrounding districts. I want to be sure that every dollar of tax money is spent wisely for the students education. Better schools equals higher property values.