This year’s candidate slate consists of 3 incumbants and 2 challengers
Editor’s Note: Updated Sept. 12, 2025. All candidate responses have now been recorded.
The West Chester Area School Board has four seats up for reelection this cycle. One in Region 1, which serves West Chester Borough and parts of West Goshen, and Region 2, which serves East Goshen and West Whiteland Townships, and two in Region 3, which serves everywhere not mentioned above. (You can see the full list here.) Current School Board Members Jewell Parkinson and Karen Fleming are running unopposed in Regions 1 and 2, respectively. There is however, a fight in Region 3.
Board Director Laura Detre is running for reelection in Region 3. She is running against newcomers Ashley Padula and Beth Campbell.
I have reached out to each of this year’s candidates with a short questionaire asking for their thoughts on what the district is doing well, what can be improved, and what they would like to see accomplished in the next four years.
You can read responses from everyone else below.
Jewell Parkinson – Region 1
Why are you running?
I am running to make a positive difference in the lives of our children and community. By embracing innovation, inclusion and transparency, I hope to advance the mission of WCASD to educate and inspire our students to achieve their personal best.
I bring a love of learning and experience as a human resources professional who collaborates with others to achieve results. I am a parent, leader, listener, bridge-builder and problem solver who believes the work of the school board is important.
In your opinion, what is one thing the district is doing well?
The district is prioritizing investment in areas that promote student success now and in the future. This includes safe and innovative schools, student belonging and engagement and a diverse and rigorous curriculum, all of which help attract and retain students and talented staff.
What is one thing you would like to see improved?
Community outreach and communication. The district is engaged in meaningful and collaborative work. We have the opportunity and obligation to share broadly and strengthen community ties for mutual benefit. This is work in process.
What would you like to see accomplished in the next four years?
I believe that when children thrive, communities flourish. I would like to see WCASD be the “destination district” for families and educators seeking top-notch schools focused on future readiness, care and community. A district which continues to invest in its people and provide a good return on our investment in quality public education.
Karen Fleming – Region 2
I am running for reelection to the school board in Region 2 because I am a passionate believer in the importance of strong public schools for our children, our community, and the future of our country.
My husband Jeff and I moved to West Chester over 20 years ago and have raised our family here. All three of my children attended West Chester public schools, and I know as a mother that the excellent education they received in the WCASD laid the foundation for them to go on to academic and professional success. As School Director I will continue to work to ensure that every student in the WCASD is on a path to graduate and receives the education they need to be college or career ready.
I was first elected to the WCASD Board of Directors in 2021 and have served as President since 2023. During my term, I have worked to raise achievement levels for all students and ensure every student feels accepted and valued, increased the safety and security of our schools, modernized our school buildings, raised teacher pay and continued to maintain the lowest tax rate in Chester County.
I would like to see improvement in the achievement gaps that still exist among our student groups. We are working to prioritize investments to increase student engagement, increase the academic rigor in our classrooms and recruit and maintain talented teachers.
Beth Campbell – Region 3
Why are you running?
I am running for School Board because with young kids in the district I am even more invested in helping to make (and keep) schools safe for all students and to foster the best environments possible for their success. While I have seen the success of community members speaking at Board meetings resulting in changes, I want to be a part of the team that researches, listens to presentations, and helps make educated decisions to support our students, teachers and our community. I have been a small business owner (Rose’s Little Donuts) and I am a Pediatric Physical Therapist.
My current job role focuses on creating new and adapting processes to make the administrative portion of my role more efficient. I am in charge of communicating with a large per diem and float staff as well as the management team and transparency is essential. These skills will easily transfer over to what I need to do as a School Director.
In your opinion, what is one thing the district is doing well?
The district has been very fiscally responsible keeping low tax rates and maximizing the funds that they have available. I am also seeing the district lean toward making changes and improvements and always striving to do more for our students.
What is one thing you would like to see improved?
I think that transparency is lacking among some of the new administration. I would like to support improvements in that area and to help ensure that all voices are heard and considered when making big decisions.
What would you like to see accomplished in the next four years?
I would like to see curriculum requirements be assessed to ensure that they are aligning with what our students are doing and what they need to be doing after graduation. I would like to see a continuation of sustainable practices such as the initiative to switch to compostable lunch trays in elementary schools this year. I would like to see continued priorities to support learning programs that help students in all levels of achievement. I would like budget choices to remain thoughtful, especially with possible future decreased in federal funding.
Laura Detre – Region 3
Why are you running?
I am a parent of two teenagers (one at Rustin and one in college) and an educator by profession. I am passionate about helping young people to achieve their best and believe that public schools are the key to that success.
In your opinion, what is one thing the district is doing well?
I think we do an excellent job preparing our graduates to be well-rounded citizens who can succeed, both professionally and outside of work. We give them tremendous opportunities to explore new areas of study and find their passions.
What is one thing you would like to see improved?
I would like to see us emphasize project-based learning across our curriculum. School assignments should mirror the scenarios our graduates will find themselves in after leaving school. They need to build their critical thinking skills, research abilities, and learn to communicate effectively.
What would you like to see accomplished in the next four years?
We’re working on something called Portrait of a Graduate and I’m really excited about it. This initiative is meant to help us look at the whole student, not just grades or test scores, We are working to ensure that what we do as a district in terms of curriculum, pedagogy, facilities, etc. is designed to prepare students for the future and allow them to achieve to their highest potential.
Thank you to all the candidates who participated in this questionaire! Hopefully, their responses will give you insight itto some of this year’s candidates.
Ashley Padula – Region 3
Why are you running?
I’m running for school board because I believe every student deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them not just for graduation, but for a successful life beyond the classroom. As a mom of two daughters in the West Chester Area School District, I’ve seen both the strengths and challenges in our schools. I want to be a voice for families like mine—families who care deeply about education and want to see our schools prioritize academic excellence, transparency, and student well-being.
Professionally, I’m a nurse case manager, and I’ve built a career around listening, problem-solving, and advocating for others. In healthcare, just like in education, every decision impacts lives. I bring strong communication skills, the ability to navigate complex systems, and a calm, solutions-focused approach. I will bring these same qualities to the school board, along with a deep commitment to serving the community with honesty and integrity.
In your opinion, what is one thing the district is doing well?
One thing I believe the West Chester Area School District is doing well is fostering a strong sense of community. There are so many dedicated teachers, staff members, and administrators who truly care about their students and want to see them succeed. I’ve seen firsthand how much time, heart, and energy our educators put into their work, and that’s something worth recognizing and protecting. Additionally, the district offers a wide variety of programs, extracurriculars, and opportunities that help students grow in different areas—from the arts to athletics to STEM. That range of opportunity is a real strength, and it’s something I want to help preserve and expand.
What is one thing you would like to see improved?
While there are many positives in our district, I’m concerned about the trend of declining academic performance. Test scores have dropped over the past few years, and that should be a red flag for all of us. As a parent and community member, I want to know that our schools are delivering the kind of education that sets kids up for long-term success. We need to take a closer look at curriculum choices, instructional supports, and how we measure progress. I’d also like to see more open communication with parents about academic expectations and performance outcomes. It’s important that we get back to the pillars of education- strong reading, writing, math, and critical thinking—while still supporting the social and emotional needs of our students.
What would you like to see accomplished in the next four years?
If elected, my top priority will be making sure every decision we make as a board is centered around student success. That includes raising academic standards and supporting teachers with the tools and professional development they need. I also want to improve transparency—parents and taxpayers deserve to know how decisions are made and how funds are being spent.
Another major priority for me is strengthening the partnership between families and schools. I believe parents should be active partners in their children’s education, and their voices should be heard and respected. I’d also like to ensure that students have a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning environment where they feel supported and challenged to grow.
Finally, I will work to make sure the district is using its budget wisely. We must be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars while still providing a high-quality education. That means evaluating programs and spending with a critical eye, setting priorities that reflect our community’s values, and always asking: is this putting our students first?
Thank you to all the candidates for their time and thoughtful responses. The general election takes place on Nov. 4 this year. Polls open at 7 a.m. Last day to register to vote is Oct. 20. The last day to request a mail in ballot is Oct. 28.