On May 20, voters in Lower Merion will select four Democrats and four Republicans in a crowded school board primary race. Ten candidates — one running on the Republican ballot, five running on the Democratic ballot, and four running on both — are vying for four seats on the Lower Merion School Board as the district faces concerns over antisemitism and racism, a persistent achievement gap between Black and white students, proposed tax increases and a new superintendent.
The Inquirer asked candidates about potential cuts to federal education funding, concerns over antisemitism and recent speaker events, the achievement gap and their top priorities if elected to serve.
Democratic Ballot
Kerry Sautner
Kerry Sautner is the current president of the Lower Merion school board, running for reelection.
On her top priorities: If reelected, Sautner said the school board needs to work with Frank Ranelli, the district’s new superintendent, to develop a “robust, measurable” strategic plan that holds schools accountable to students and the community through “clear milestones and outcomes.” She hopes to enhance community engagement by fostering “open, transparent communication.”
On potential federal funding cuts: Sautner said LMSD should continue to work with state-level partners and its legal team to ensure every student, including those with special education plans, receives an appropriate education.
On closing the achievement gap: She said the school board can identify disparities using data-driven decision-making and address certain groups with interventions like micro-tutoring. The district, she said, should continue evaluations to ensure certain groups are not disproportionately placed in remedial courses or underrepresented in gifted programs.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Sautner said the district’s responsibility begins with setting “clear, legally aligned policies” through administrative regulations. The board, she said, works closely with the superintendent to review data, analyze trends, assess the effectiveness of interventions and support professional development. The school board may also engage third-party experts to conduct climate assessments or policy audits.
Bio: Since July 2023, Sautner has served as the president and CEO of the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site in Philadelphia.
Sautner is running in the Democratic primary and was endorsed by the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth alongside Juanita Kerber, Anna Shurak and Jennifer Rivera.
Juanita James Kerber
Juanita Kerber is a healthcare professional and LMSD parent.
On her top priorities: She believes the most effective leadership begins with understanding the perspectives of students, parents, teachers and residents. Her goal is to ensure that district policies support an inclusive, safe and respectful environment. Kerber said she is committed to streamlining processes for special education evaluations, advocating for equitable access to resources and supporting educators.
Kerber said she will bring a balanced approach to the school board, one that blends analytical thinking with compassion.
On potential federal funding cuts: Kerber said the district should remain a source of “consistency and stability” for students and should “stay focused on what we know works for our community.” LMSD, Kerber said, should provide a sense of calm and confidence for students.
On closing the achievement gap: Kerber said the district must evaluate the effectiveness of its current strategies and course-correct when necessary. She offered the example of Georgia’s investment in early childhood education, which helped the state significantly improve student outcomes.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Kerber said the district has a responsibility to address antisemitism and other forms of hate while also safeguarding the principles of open dialogue and critical thinking. “These values are not mutually exclusive,” she said.
She believes, when inviting speakers, LMSD should vet them to ensure the material is “appropriate, respectful, and aligned with our educational mission” and that parents should be able to make decisions about their children‘s participation in certain programs.
Bio: Kerber has worked in healthcare for over 40 years. She is currently a clinical imaging analyst at Penn Medicine, where she says she has dedicated her career to instructing and supporting radiologists, faculty and staff. She has been married to her husband, Andrew, since 2007 and is the parent of students who have been educated in LMSD.
Kerber is running in the Democratic primary and was endorsed by the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth alongside Kerry Sautner, Anna Shurak and Jennifer Rivera.
Anna Shurak
Anna Shurak is an educator and current LMSD board member running for reelection.
On her top priorities: Shurak said her top priorities for LMSD are ensuring transparent governance, fostering equity across all schools and creating a stable environment for students and educators, especially the district’s transition to a new superintendent.
Shurak said she is proud of what the board has accomplished during her tenure, including expanding student mental health supports, ensuring fiscal transparency and navigating the challenges of COVID-19 recovery. However, she said, there “is more work to do” and LMSD is at a “pivotal moment” with the transition to a new superintendent.
On potential federal funding cuts: Regardless of national political shifts, Shurak said the district must “stay rooted in its values.” The district should work closely with state representatives and legal council to ensure LMSD policies remain aligned with equity and constitutional protections, she said, allowing the district to “serve as a model of resilience, integrity, and excellence.”
On closing the achievement gap: Shurak said LMSD should hold itself accountable through data, from academic placement to discipline practices. The district must also build and retain a diverse and culturally competent workforce, prioritize authentic engagement with families while creating space for historically marginalized voices to shape district priorities, she said.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: She said antisemitism, like all forms of hate, should be “clearly and unequivocally condemned.” At the same time, Shurak said, “our schools must remain places of critical inquiry, open dialogue, and civic learning.” LMSD should create clearer processes for vetting speakers and events and respond “swiftly, transparently and restoratively” when any harm is done.
Bio: Shurak lives in Lower Merion with her husband and three daughters, two of whom attend LMSD and one of whom is set to begin kindergarten at Cynwyd Elementary in two years. She is currently the executive director of Teach For America Greater Philadelphia. She has served in a variety of educational roles, including as a teacher, assistant principal, assistant superintendent and chief school support officer in school districts across the region, including both the Philadelphia and Camden school districts.
Shurak is running in the Democratic primary and was endorsed by the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth alongside Kerry Sautner, Juanita Kerber and Jennifer Rivera.
Rebecca Brodsky
Rebecca Brodsky is an LMSD parent and small-business owner. She did not respond to The Inquirer’s questions, sent via email.
On her top priorities: At a forum hosted by the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth School Board Forum, Brodsky said her experience owning a small business has given her the skills to work within a budget and be financially responsible.
She hopes to work with Lower Merion Township and Narberth to form safer passageways for students commuting to school. Brodsky believes LMSD should review its screening for its gifted program and work with special education families to make sure students are getting the resources they need.
On closing the achievement gap: Interventions to close the achievement gap should be evaluated year-after-year, she said, and the district should work with teachers and staff members to get feedback and appropriately allocate resources.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Regarding discrimination in the district, Brodsky said LMSD needs to collect data, but should also be aware of potential underreporting when students don‘t feel comfortable coming forward following instances of hate. LMSD needs to increase communication with parents, counselors and teachers.
Bio: Brodsky is a small-business owner who lives in Ardmore. Her daughter is a third grader in LMSD. She served as copresident of the Penn Valley Home and School Association.
Jennifer Louise Rivera
Jennifer Rivera is an LMSD parent and executive assistant.
On her top priorities: Rivera wants to ensure “every student in the Lower Merion School District feels supported, seen and successful in their academic journey.” That starts, she said, with using data and direct feedback to identify where students are struggling and where support systems can improve. Top issues include strengthening specialized learning plans for students with special needs, addressing academic disparities, combating bullying and hate, and responding to broader community concerns.
Clearer school policies, stronger teacher-parent partnerships and better access to community resources, she said, will help equip families with tools to advocate for their children.
On potential federal funding cuts: Rivera said the district should identify which programs could be affected, ensure contingency planning and remain vigilant about “defending the values that make this community strong.”
On closing the achievement gap: Addressing the racial achievement gap, Rivera said, requires multiple solutions, including implementing full-day kindergarten, creating time for teachers to analyze data and develop targeted strategies, and giving students extra time to seek help and tutoring. She believes LMSD should implement ongoing professional development, allowing teachers to learn and adopt practices that “positively influence student learning.”
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Rivera said the district should require annual trainings for staff and age-appropriate lessons on antisemitism and other forms of hate for students. Educators should be equipped with clear guidance on how to “facilitate these conversations effectively and sensitively,” she said.
“I also want to acknowledge my own growth in this area,” Rivera said, adding that while she has “always believed antisemitism is wrong,” she had to “take personal steps to deepen my understanding of the fear and pain our Jewish community is feeling.”
Bio: Rivera is part of a multigenerational LMSD family. Her mother graduated from the district, her father worked in the district for decades, and she now lives in Lower Merion and sends her oldest child to Cynwyd Elementary. She works as an executive assistant at a law firm marketing agency and studied at the University of Delaware and Lancaster Bible College.
Rivera is running in the Democratic primary and was endorsed by the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth alongside Kerry Sautner, Juanita Kerber and Anna Shurak.
Republican Ballot
Omer Dekel
Omer Dekel is an LMSD parent and tech entrepreneur.
On his top priorities: Dekel’s platform has four prongs, according to his website: transparency and data-driven governance, fiscal responsibility, special education support and empowering parents.
On potential federal funding cuts: Dekel said LMSD should “embrace local control as an opportunity” by focusing on community needs no matter the federal landscape.
On closing the achievement gap: Dekel said the district can lean on family engagement, tutoring, mentorship and early support programs while consistently measuring progress and being transparent about tracking results.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: On the issue of tackling hate at LMSD, Dekel said clear policies and incident tracking are “vital first steps to keep students safe,” as well as educating students about inclusion.
Bio: Dekel is a longtime Lower Merion resident and the father of three Welsh Valley Middle School students. He is originally from Israel, and immigrated to the United States 17 years ago. He served in the Israel Defense Forces intelligence corps, holding the rank of reserve captain.
He is running on a slate with candidates Jacob Rudolph, Deena Pack and Talia Nissim. The group, called Imagine Better LMSD, lists combating antisemitism, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strengthening special education as its top priorities.
Dekel has been endorsed by the Republican Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth and is running on the Republican primary ballot.
Democratic and Republican Ballots
Talia Nissim
Talia Nissim is an LMSD parent and Ardmore resident.
On her top priorities: Nissim said she wants the district to close the achievement gap and ensure greater “transparency and accountability” from school administration.
On potential federal funding cuts: Nissim said the district should build strong relationships with state education agencies, develop contingency budgets, and advocate for state legislation.
On closing the achievement gap: Nissim said the district needs “new thinking.”
“We can‘t keep doing the same things and expect different results,” she said.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: She believes starting with education for students, teachers and staff will help prevent antisemitism before it takes root. She said “schools must be places where respect and understanding are the norm.”
Bio: Nissim studied at the University of the Arts before becoming a semiprofessional ballerina and dance teacher. She settled in Ardmore in 2016 after two years of living in Israel. She is a stay-at-home mom to her three boys, all students at LMSD. She serves as a member-at-large for the LMSD Inter School Council.
Nissim is running on a slate with candidates Jacob Rudolph, Deena Pack and Omer Dekel. The group, called Imagine Better LMSD, lists combating antisemitism, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strengthening special education as its top priorities.
Nissim has been endorsed by the Republican Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth. She is running on both the Republican and Democratic primary ballots.
Rich Lester
Rich Lester is an entrepreneur and LMSD parent.
On his top priorities: Lester’s top goals are supporting the new superintendent and establishing a clear strategic plan for the district. Annual goals driven by the superintendent and district leadership need to be created, measured and reported on to the community, he said.
On potential federal funding cuts: Lester said LMSD is fortunate not to rely significantly on federal funding, which should “allow us to live by our priorities and values.”
On closing the achievement gap: Lester said the district should consider improving access to prekindergarten for underserved students and address differentiated standards for placement into honors classes that have historically hurt students of color.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: For Lester, data-driven decision-making extends to combating hate. In light of rising concerns in the district about racism, antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, he believes the school board should prioritize tracking these incidents and the effectiveness of any prevention and training programs.
Lester said the district needs to “balance free speech with student safety.” He said there are many gray areas, and suggested creating clear boundaries of unacceptable and acceptable speakers.
Bio: Lester and his wife, Rachel, moved to Lower Merion in 2006 and have lived in Villanova for over 18 years. Their three children attended Lower Merion schools, and their youngest son is currently a high school student in the district. He’s currently the CEO of the Ackerman Group, a firm that supports veterinary practice owners looking to sell their practices.
He said his experience starting and growing businesses gives him key skills as “we navigate turbulent times in our economy and our federal government.”
Lester is a Democrat. He is running on both the Democratic and Republican ballots after being encouraged to cross-file.
Deena Pack
Deena Pack is a nurse and LMSD parent.
On her top priorities: For Pack, the two most important issues for the LMSD board are addressing antisemitism and improving special education.
Pack said her own children have faced significant antisemitism in Lower Merion schools. She said the district must implement clear policy surrounding acts of hate and create a comprehensive tracking system and quarterly evaluations.
Pack said the district’s special education and gifted students are not being adequately served. She plans to push for more special instruction teachers and a task force on special education access, which she hopes will limit litigation against the district.
On potential federal funding cuts: Pack said the district should identify programs supported by federal dollars and ensure there are alternative sources of available funding.
On closing the achievement gap: The racial achievement gap in Lower Merion, Pack said, is “a terrible example of how well-intentioned programs can sometimes still fail the students they are trying to serve.” She said the current school board has “not adequately addressed this growing problem.” If elected, Pack says she would immediately evaluate all programs and spending allocated toward closing the achievement gap in hopes of understanding if they are truly helping students’ performance.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Regarding recent incidents in which speakers were invited to LMSD that some parents said expressed antisemitic views, Pack said, “If the district invited any speaker to the school and used taxpayer resources in order to fund the event, then they have the responsibility to properly vet the guests to ensure their messaging and social media accounts properly reflect the school district’s position and ideals.”
While Pack said free speech is “vitally important and should be protected,” she believes the district also has a responsibility to protect students from hateful speech or “galvanizing one group against another.”
Bio: Pack is a nurse. She is an Orthodox Jew and has three children, one of whom attends LMSD. She has been married to her husband, Kevin, for 19 years.
Pack is running on a slate with candidates Jacob Rudolph, Talia Nissim and Omer Dekel. The group, called Imagine Better LMSD, lists combating antisemitism, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strengthening special education as its top priorities.
She has been endorsed by the Republican Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth. She is running on both the Republican and Democratic primary ballots.
Jacob Rudolph
Jacob Rudolph is a current Harriton High School senior.
On his top priorities: Rudolph’s top priorities are improving special education offerings, combating antisemitism and “rebuilding the bridge between” the district and families through better communication and the return of fun community traditions.
On potential federal funding cuts: Rudolph said the district should make a plan with multiyear budgets that assume varying levels of reduced federal aid. The district should also protect local civil rights safeguards to ensure students retain protections should federal oversight shrink.
On closing the achievement gap: Rudolph said that the district should implement early warning systems that flag students at risk of poor performance while triggering immediate support. LMSD should also, he said, expand tutoring, offer more opportunities to join honors-level classes and publish metrics on student achievement.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Regarding a recent school event that parents say featured speakers affiliated with pro-Palestinian groups, Rudolph said, “the speakers said that they were affiliated with groups that hate Israel, and by extension, Jews, I immediately felt isolated and alone. I was made to feel unwelcome in that room. I am a proud Zionist Jew, and I believe that all Jews have a right to a place to call home.”
To combat discrimination, and specifically antisemitism, Rudolph said the district should require incidents be logged and reported and staff have annual training from the Anti Defamation League and American Jewish Committee.
Bio: Rudolph, 17, is a senior at Harriton High School. He is a rower and swimmer and has been enrolled in the district’s gifted learning program since first grade. He says on his website that getting the school district to acknowledge and provide support services for his ADHD was a “battle” for his family.
Rudolph is running on a slate with candidates Deena Pack, Talia Nissim and Omer Dekel. The group, called Imagine Better LMSD, lists combating antisemitism, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strengthening special education as its top priorities.
Rudolph has been endorsed by the Republican Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth. He is running on both the Republican and Democratic primary ballots.
On May 20, voters in Lower Merion will select four Democrats and four Republicans in a crowded school board primary race. Ten candidates — one running on the Republican ballot, five running on the Democratic ballot, and four running on both — are vying for four seats on the Lower Merion School Board as the district faces concerns over antisemitism and racism, a persistent achievement gap between Black and white students, proposed tax increases and a new superintendent.
The Inquirer asked candidates about potential cuts to federal education funding, concerns over antisemitism and recent speaker events, the achievement gap and their top priorities if elected to serve.
Democratic Ballot
Kerry Sautner
Kerry Sautner is the current president of the Lower Merion school board, running for reelection.
On her top priorities: If reelected, Sautner said the school board needs to work with Frank Ranelli, the district’s new superintendent, to develop a “robust, measurable” strategic plan that holds schools accountable to students and the community through “clear milestones and outcomes.” She hopes to enhance community engagement by fostering “open, transparent communication.”
Over the last four years, Sautner said she and fellow incumbent candidate Anna Shurak have hosted more community gatherings and stakeholder engagements with the board than in any other term. She believes serving on the board is “about compromise, advocacy and collaboration.”
On potential federal funding cuts: Sautner said the stakes for local leadership “have never been higher” as the federal government proposes dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and passing executive orders “that undermine educators and restrict the teaching of well-rounded, inclusive history.” Sautner said LMSD should continue to work with state-level partners and its legal team to ensure every student, including those with special education plans, receives an appropriate education.
She emphasized the importance of “safeguarding civil rights” and “ensuring that inclusive education remains a cornerstone of our community.”
On closing the achievement gap: She said the school board can identify disparities using data-driven decision-making and address certain groups with interventions like micro-tutoring. The district, she said, should continue evaluations to ensure certain groups are not disproportionately placed in remedial courses or underrepresented in gifted programs.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Sautner said the district’s responsibility begins with setting “clear, legally aligned policies” through administrative regulations. The board, she said, works closely with the superintendent to review data, analyze trends, assess the effectiveness of interventions and support professional development. The school board may also engage third-party experts to conduct climate assessments or policy audits.
Bio: Since July 2023, Sautner has served as the president and CEO of the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site in Philadelphia.
Sautner is running in the Democratic primary and was endorsed by the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth alongside Juanita Kerber, Anna Shurak and Jennifer Rivera.
Juanita James Kerber
Juanita Kerber is a healthcare professional and LMSD parent.
On her top priorities: She believes the most effective leadership begins with understanding the perspectives of students, parents, teachers and residents. Her goal is to ensure that district policies support an inclusive, safe and respectful environment. Kerber said she is committed to streamlining processes for special education evaluations, advocating for equitable access to resources and supporting educators so they can “continue to deliver a rigorous and meaningful curriculum.” She also emphasized the importance of teacher diversity.
Kerber said she will bring a balanced approach to the school board, one that blends analytical thinking with compassion.
On potential federal funding cuts: Kerber said the district should remain a source of “consistency and stability” for students and should “stay focused on what we know works for our community.” LMSD, Kerber said, should provide a sense of calm and confidence for students.
On closing the achievement gap: Kerber said the district must evaluate the effectiveness of its current strategies and course-correct when necessary. She offered the example of Georgia’s investment in early childhood education, which helped the state significantly improve student outcomes. Lower Merion must be committed to “bold and data-informed strategies” that include understanding “why some teachers and schools are more effective for students of color,” she said.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Kerber said the district has a responsibility to address antisemitism and other forms of hate while also safeguarding the principles of open dialogue and critical thinking. “These values are not mutually exclusive,” she said.
She believes, when inviting speakers, LMSD should vet them to ensure the material is “appropriate, respectful, and aligned with our educational mission” and that parents should be able to make decisions about their children‘s participation in certain programs.
Bio: Kerber has worked in healthcare for over 40 years. She is currently a clinical imaging analyst at Penn Medicine, where she says she has dedicated her career to instructing and supporting radiologists, faculty and staff. She has been married to her husband, Andrew, since 2007 and is the parent of students who have been educated in LMSD.
Kerber is running in the Democratic primary and was endorsed by the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth alongside Kerry Sautner, Anna Shurak and Jennifer Rivera.
Anna Shurak
Anna Shurak is an educator and current LMSD board member running for reelection.
On her top priorities: Shurak said her top priorities for LMSD are ensuring transparent governance, fostering equity across all schools and creating a stable environment for students and educators, especially the district’s transition to a new superintendent. Over the past four years, she said she has worked hard to prioritize student-centered decision-making, build a collaborative board culture and advocate for policies that “ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
Shurak said she is proud of what the board has accomplished during her tenure, including expanding student mental health supports, ensuring fiscal transparency and navigating the challenges of COVID-19 recovery. However, she said, there “is more work to do” and LMSD is at a “pivotal moment” with the transition to a new superintendent.
On potential federal funding cuts: Regardless of national political shifts, Shurak said the district must “stay rooted in its values.” The district should work closely with state representatives and legal council to ensure LMSD policies remain aligned with equity and constitutional protections, she said, allowing the district to “serve as a model of resilience, integrity, and excellence.”
On closing the achievement gap: Shurak said addressing racial achievement gaps “requires more than good intentions — it demands sustained action, accountability, and community partnership.” She said LMSD should hold itself accountable through data, from academic placement to discipline practices. The district must also build and retain a diverse and culturally competent workforce, prioritize authentic engagement with families while creating space for historically marginalized voices to shape district priorities, she said.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: She said antisemitism, like all forms of hate, should be “clearly and unequivocally condemned.” At the same time, Shurak said, “our schools must remain places of critical inquiry, open dialogue, and civic learning.” LMSD should create clearer processes for vetting speakers and events and respond “swiftly, transparently and restoratively” when any harm is done.
Bio: Shurak lives in Lower Merion with her husband and three daughters, two of whom attend LMSD and one of whom is set to begin kindergarten at Cynwyd Elementary in two years. She is currently the executive director of Teach For America Greater Philadelphia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana University and masters degrees in educational leadership and elementary education from St. Joseph’s University. She has served in a variety of educational roles, including as a teacher, assistant principal, assistant superintendent and chief school support officer in school districts across the region, including both the Philadelphia and Camden school districts.
Shurak is running in the Democratic primary and was endorsed by the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth alongside Kerry Sautner, Juanita Kerber and Jennifer Rivera.
Rebecca Brodsky
Rebecca Brodsky is an LMSD parent and small-business owner. She did not respond to The Inquirer’s questions, sent via email.
On her top priorities: At a forum hosted by the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth School Board Forum, Brodsky said her experience owning a small business has given her the skills to work within a budget and be financially responsible.
She hopes to work with Lower Merion township and Narberth to form safer passageways for students commuting to school. Brodsky believes LMSD should review its screening for its gifted program and work with special education families to make sure students are getting the resources they need.
On closing the achievement gap: Interventions to close the achievement gap should be evaluated year-after-year, she said, and the district should work with teachers and staff members to get feedback and appropriately allocate resources.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Regarding discrimination in the district, Brodsky said LMSD needs to collect data, but should also be aware of potential underreporting when students don‘t feel comfortable coming forward following instances of hate. LMSD needs to increase communication with parents, counselors and teachers.
Bio: Brodsky is a small-business owner who lives in Ardmore. Her daughter is a third grader in LMSD. She served as copresident of the Penn Valley Home and School Association.
Jennifer Louise Rivera
Jennifer Rivera is an LMSD parent and executive assistant.
On her top priorities: Rivera wants to ensure “every student in the Lower Merion School District feels supported, seen and successful in their academic journey.” That starts, she said, with using data and direct feedback to identify where students are struggling and where support systems can improve. Top issues include strengthening specialized learning plans for students with special needs, addressing academic disparities, combating bullying and hate and responding to broader community concerns.
Clearer school policies, stronger teacher-parent partnerships and better access to community resources, she said, will help equip families with tools to advocate for their children. Rivera said the district should proactively track and analyze data to drive real improvements, rather than simply react to issues. She is encouraged by the work of the current school board and is excited to support the transition of the district’s new superintendent.
On potential federal funding cuts: Though LMSD does not rely heavily on federal funding, Rivera said the risks of cuts to federal education programs “go far beyond money.” She said, Rivera said the district should identify which programs could be affected, ensure contingency planning and remain vigilant about “defending the values that make this community strong.”
On closing the achievement gap: Addressing the racial achievement gap, Rivera said, requires multiple solutions, including implementing full-day kindergarten, creating time for teachers to analyze data and develop targeted strategies, and giving students extra time to seek help and tutoring. She believes LMSD should implement ongoing professional development, allowing teachers to learn and adopt practices that “positively influence student learning.”
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Rivera said the district should require annual trainings for staff and age-appropriate lessons on antisemitism and other forms of hate for students. Educators should be equipped with clear guidance on how to “facilitate these conversations effectively and sensitively,” she said.
“I also want to acknowledge my own growth in this area,” Rivera said, adding that while she has “always believed antisemitism is wrong,” she had to “take personal steps to deepen my understanding of the fear and pain our Jewish community is feeling.”
Bio: Rivera is part of a multigenerational LMSD family. Her mother graduated from the district, her father worked in the district for decades, and she now lives in Lower Merion and sends her oldest child to Cynwyd Elementary. She volunteers at Cynwyd Elementary and supports the Home and School Association. She works as an executive assistant at a law firm marketing agency and studied at the University of Delaware and Lancaster Bible College.
Rivera is running in the Democratic primary and was endorsed by the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth alongside Kerry Sautner, Juanita Kerber and Anna Shurak.
Republican Ballot
Omer Dekel
Omer Dekel is an LMSD parent and tech entrepreneur.
On his top priorities: Dekel’s platform has four prongs, according to his website: transparency and data-driven governance, fiscal responsibility, special education support and empowering parents.
Dekel said he wants to set “clear, measurable goals to ensure every decision improves student outcomes” and foster open collaboration with the community to “maximize the value of our investments and elevate our district.”
On potential federal funding cuts: Dekel said LMSD should “embrace local control as an opportunity” by focusing on community needs no matter the federal landscape.
On closing the achievement gap: Dekel said the district can lean on family engagement, tutoring, mentorship and early support programs while consistently measuring progress and being transparent about tracking results.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: On the issue of tackling hate at LMSD, Dekel said clear policies and incident tracking are “vital first steps to keep students safe,” as well as educating students about inclusion.
“Hate has no place in our schools, and proactive steps can prevent it,” he said.
Bio: Dekel is a longtime Lower Merion resident and the father of three Welsh Valley Middle School students. He is originally from Israel, and immigrated to the United States 17 years ago. He served in the Israel Defense Forces intelligence corps, holding the rank of reserve captain, which he said reflects his “commitment to service and leadership.”
He is running on a slate with candidates Jacob Rudolph, Deena Pack and Talia Nissim. The group, called Imagine Better LMSD, lists combating antisemitism, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strengthening special education as its top priorities.
Dekel has been endorsed by the Republican Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth and is running on the Republican primary ballot.
Democratic and Republican Ballots
Talia Nissim
Talia Nissim is an LMSD parent and Ardmore resident.
On her top priorities: Nissim said she wants the district to close the achievement gap and ensure greater “transparency and accountability” from school administration.
“Every student deserves access to high-quality education, and our community deserves clear, honest communication about how decisions are made and resources are allocated,” she said.
On potential federal funding cuts: Nissim said the district should build strong relationships with state education agencies, develop contingency budgets, and advocate for state legislation that upholds “high standards, civil rights, and funding equity.”
On closing the achievement gap: Nissim said the district needs “new thinking.”
“We can‘t keep doing the same things and expect different results,” she said.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: She believes starting with education for students, teachers and staff will help prevent antisemitism before it takes root. She said “schools must be places where respect and understanding are the norm.”
Bio: Nissim studied at the University of the Arts before becoming a semiprofessional ballerina and dance teacher. She settled in Ardmore in 2016 after two years of living in Israel. She is a stay-at-home mom to her three boys, all students at LMSD. She serves as a member-at-large for the LMSD Inter School Council.
Nissim is running on a slate with candidates Jacob Rudolph, Deena Pack and Omer Dekel. The group, called Imagine Better LMSD, lists combating antisemitism, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strengthening special education as its top priorities.
Nissim has been endorsed by the Republican Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth. She is running on both the Republican and Democratic primary ballots.
Rich Lester
Rich Lester is an entrepreneur and LMSD parent.
On his top priorities: Lester’s top goals are supporting the new superintendent and establishing a clear strategic plan for the district. Annual goals driven by the superintendent and district leadership need to be created, measured and reported on to the community, he said.
On potential federal funding cuts: Lester said LMSD is fortunate not to rely significantly on federal funding, which should “allow us to live by our priorities and values.”
On closing the achievement gap: Lester said LMSD should identify other districts that have made progress on closing the gap. The district should also consider improving access to prekindergarten for underserved students and address differentiated standards for placement into honors classes that have historically hurt students of color.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: For Lester, data-driven decision-making extends to combating hate. In light of rising concerns in the district about racism, antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, he believes the school board should prioritize tracking these incidents and the effectiveness of any prevention and training programs.
Lester said the district needs to “balance free speech with student safety.” He said there are many gray areas, and suggested creating clear boundaries of unacceptable and acceptable speakers with room to discuss those who may fall into the “gray area.”
Bio: Lester and his wife, Rachel, moved to Lower Merion in 2006 and have lived in Villanova for over 18 years. Their three children attended Lower Merion schools, and their youngest son is currently a high school student in the district. Lester serves on various boards, including the board of the University of Pennsylvania Hillel. He was a Cub Scout leader for his sons’ troops and is active at the Main Line Reform Temple. He’s currently the CEO of the Ackerman Group, a firm that supports veterinary practice owners looking to sell their practices. Prior to his current role, he founded and built Veterinary Practice Partners, a veterinary practice management group.
He said his experience starting and growing businesses gives him key skills as “we navigate turbulent times in our economy and our federal government.”
Lester is a Democrat. He is running on both the Democratic and Republican ballots after being encouraged to cross-file.
Deena Pack
Deena Pack is a nurse and LMSD parent.
On her top priorities: For Pack, the two most important issues for the LMSD board are addressing antisemitism and improving special education.
Pack said her own children have faced significant antisemitism in Lower Merion schools. She said the district must implement clear policy surrounding acts of hate and create a comprehensive tracking system and quarterly evaluations.
Pack said the district’s special education and gifted students are not being adequately served. She plans to push for more special instruction teachers and a task force on special education access, which she hopes will limit litigation against the district.
On potential federal funding cuts: Pack said the district should identify programs supported by federal dollars and ensure there are alternative sources of available funding.
On closing the achievement gap: The racial achievement gap in Lower Merion, Pack said, is “a terrible example of how well-intentioned programs can sometimes still fail the students they are trying to serve.” She said the current school board has “not adequately addressed this growing problem” and expressed concern about recent superintendent turnover, which she said has “only added to the district’s dysfunction.” If elected, Pack says she would immediately evaluate all programs and spending allocated toward closing the achievement gap in hopes of understanding if they are truly helping students’ performance.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Regarding recent incidents in which speakers were invited to LMSD that some parents said expressed antisemitic views, Pack said, “If the district invited any speaker to the school and used taxpayer resources in order to fund the event, then they have the responsibility to properly vet the guests to ensure their messaging and social media accounts properly reflect the school district’s position and ideals.”
While Pack said free speech is “vitally important and should be protected,” she believes the district also has a responsibility to protect students from hateful speech or “galvanizing one group against another.”
Pack said she has heard herself called a “‘one issue’ candidate” during this election, which she says is false.
“While I got into the race as a parent concerned about the antisemitism experienced by my own children, I am also running on other issues that are a huge concern for our district. I feel I can bring real value and innovation into a stagnant environment,” she said.
Bio: Pack is a nurse. She is an Orthodox Jew and has three children, one of whom attends LMSD. She has been married to her husband, Kevin, for 19 years.
Pack is running on a slate with candidates Jacob Rudolph, Talia Nissim and Omer Dekel. The group, called Imagine Better LMSD, lists combating antisemitism, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strengthening special education as its top priorities.
She has been endorsed by the Republican Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth and is running on both the Republican and Democratic primary ballots.
Jacob Rudolph
Jacob Rudolph is a current Harriton High School senior.
On his top priorities: Rudolph’s top priorities are improving special education offerings, combating antisemitism and “rebuilding the bridge between” the district and families through better communication and the return of fun community traditions.
On potential federal funding cuts: Rudolph said the district should make a plan with multiyear budgets that assume varying levels of reduced federal aid. The district should also protect local civil rights safeguards to ensure students retain protections should federal oversight shrink.
On closing the achievement gap: Rudolph said the racial achievement gap “is a serious problem,” and that the district should implement early warning systems that flag students at risk of poor performance while triggering immediate support. LMSD should also, he said, expand tutoring, offer more opportunities to join honors-level classes and publish metrics on student achievement.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Regarding a recent school event that parents say featured speakers affiliated with pro-Palestinian groups, Rudolph said, “the speakers said that they were affiliated with groups that hate Israel, and by extension, Jews, I immediately felt isolated and alone. I was made to feel unwelcome in that room. I am a proud Zionist Jew, and I believe that all Jews have a right to a place to call home.”
He said he has been the victim of antisemitism at LMSD and that the district must work harder to “combat not just antisemitic hate, but all hate in our schools.”
To combat discrimination, and specifically antisemitism, Rudolph said the district should require incidents be logged and reported and staff have annual training from the Anti Defamation League and American Jewish Committee.
Bio: Rudolph, 17, is a current senior at Harriton High School. He is a rower, swimmer and has been enrolled in the district’s gifted learning program since first grade. He says on his website that getting the school district to acknowledge and provide support services for his ADHD was a “battle” for his family. He will take a gap year after graduation and plans to attend a local college afterward.
Rudolph is running on a slate with candidates Deena Pack, Talia Nissim and Omer Dekel. The group, called Imagine Better LMSD, lists combating antisemitism, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strengthening special education as its top priorities.
Rudolph has been endorsed by the Republican Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth. He is running on both the Republican and Democratic primary ballots.
On May 20, voters in Lower Merion will select four Democrats and four Republicans in a crowded school board primary race. Ten candidates — one running on the Republican ballot, five running on the Democratic ballot, and four running on both — are vying for four seats on the Lower Merion School Board as the district faces concerns over antisemitism and racism, a persistent achievement gap between Black and white students, proposed tax increases and a new superintendent.
The Inquirer asked candidates about potential cuts to federal education funding, concerns over antisemitism and recent speaker events, the achievement gap and their top priorities if elected to serve.
Democratic Ballot
Kerry Sautner
Kerry Sautner is the current president of the Lower Merion school board, running for reelection.
On her top priorities: If reelected, Sautner said the school board needs to work with Frank Ranelli, the district’s new superintendent, to develop a “robust, measurable” strategic plan that holds schools accountable to students and the community through “clear milestones and outcomes.” She hopes to enhance community engagement by fostering “open, transparent communication.”
Over the last four years, Sautner said she and fellow incumbent candidate Anna Shurak have hosted more community gatherings and stakeholder engagements with the board than in any other term. She believes serving on the board is “about compromise, advocacy and collaboration.”
“This work matters. And it must be led by people with humility, experience, and a vision to unite, not divide. In the words that guide Lower Merion‘s students: Enter to learn, leave to serve,” Sautner said.
On potential federal funding cuts: Sautner said the stakes for local leadership “have never been higher” as the federal government proposes dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and passing executive orders “that undermine educators and restrict the teaching of well-rounded, inclusive history.” As public schools have “always been grounded in local leadership and the needs of the families they serve,” Sautner said LMSD should continue to work with state-level partners and its legal team to ensure every student, including those with special education plans, receives an appropriate education.
She emphasized the importance of “safeguarding civil rights” and “ensuring that inclusive education remains a cornerstone of our community.” On supporting special education programs, Sautner said she wants to implement policies guided by the latest research and national best practice while collaborating with groups like the Committee for Special Education.
On closing the achievement gap: One of Sautner’s main goals is shrinking the racial achievement gap. She said the school board can identify disparities using data-driven decision-making and address certain groups with interventions like micro-tutoring. The district, she said, should continue evaluations to ensure certain groups are not disproportionately placed in remedial courses or underrepresented in gifted programs.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Sautner said the district’s responsibility begins with setting “clear, legally aligned policies” through administrative regulations. The board, she said, works closely with the superintendent to review data, analyze trends, assess the effectiveness of interventions and support professional development. The school board may also engage third-party experts to conduct climate assessments or policy audits.
Sautner offered examples of the district’s efforts to fight rising antisemitism, including implementing antibias education, launching reporting systems and partnering with organizations like the Jewish Federation, the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History and StandWithUs.
Bio: Sautner is running in the Democratic primary and was endorsed by the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth alongside Juanita Kerber, Anna Shurak and Jennifer Rivera.
Since July 2023, Sautner has served as the president and CEO of the Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site in Philadelphia. Before that, she worked for 18 years at the National Constitution Center, where she was most recently the chief learning officer. She has taught at the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University as an adjunct professor. Sautner holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University. She holds a master’s degree in elementary education and a doctorate in educational leadership and management from Drexel.
Juanita James Kerber
Juanita Kerber is a healthcare professional and LMSD parent.
On her top priorities: If elected, her top priority will be “to listen — truly and consistently — to our community.” She believes the most effective leadership begins with understanding the perspectives of students, parents, teachers and residents. Her goal is to ensure that district policies support an inclusive, safe and respectful environment. Kerber said she is committed to streamlining processes for special education evaluations, advocating for equitable access to resources and supporting educators so they can “continue to deliver a rigorous and meaningful curriculum.” She also emphasized the importance of teacher diversity, saying “when students see themselves reflected in the classroom, it fosters belonging and strengthens learning.”
Kerber said she will bring a balanced approach to the school board, one that blends analytical thinking with compassion. If elected, she will advocate for strong student-teacher relationships, support programs in the arts and creative learning and protect the emotional and academic lifelines that help students succeed.
On potential federal funding cuts: Kerber said the district should remain a source of “consistency and stability” for students and should “stay focused on what we know works for our community.” LMSD, Kerber said, should provide a sense of calm and confidence for students. She states that “the aftermath of the pandemic has already posed challenges to student learning” and that the district “cannot allow further disruption to take root because of political rhetoric.”
On closing the achievement gap: Kerber said the district must evaluate the effectiveness of its current strategies and course-correct when necessary. She offered the example of Georgia’s investment in early childhood education, which helped the state significantly improve student outcomes. Lower Merion must be committed to “bold and data-informed strategies” that include understanding “why some teachers and schools are more effective for students of color,” she said, adding that real equity “requires a sustained, district-wide effort grounded in evidence and a deep belief in every child’s potential.”
Addressing racial achievement gaps, she said, “requires both humility and action.”
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Kerber said the district has a responsibility to address antisemitism and other forms of hate while also safeguarding the principles of open dialogue and critical thinking. “These values are not mutually exclusive,” she said.
She believes, when inviting speakers, LMSD should vet them to ensure the material is “appropriate, respectful, and aligned with our educational mission” and that parents should be able to make decisions about their children‘s participation in certain programs.
Bio: Kerber is running in the Democratic primary and was endorsed by the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth alongside Kerry Sautner, Anna Shurak and Jennifer Rivera.
Kerber has worked in healthcare for over 40 years. She is currently a clinical imaging analyst at Penn Medicine, where she says she has dedicated her career to instructing and supporting radiologists, faculty and staff. She has been married to her husband, Andrew, since 2007 and is the parent of students who have been educated in LMSD.
Anna Shurak
Anna Shurak is an educator and current LMSD board member running for reelection.
On her top priorities: Shurak said her top priorities for LMSD are ensuring transparent governance, fostering equity across all schools and creating a stable environment for students and educators, especially the district’s transition to a new superintendent. Over the past four years, she said she has worked hard to prioritize student-centered decision-making, build a collaborative board culture and advocate for policies that “ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.”
As a parent of LMSD students, she said she has a “deep and personal commitment to the long-term success of this district” and will continue to push for fiscal responsibility, academic excellence and meaningful community engagement.
Shurak said she is proud of what the board has accomplished during her tenure, including expanding student mental health supports, ensuring fiscal transparency and navigating the challenges of COVID-19 recovery. However, she said, there “is more work to do” and LMSD is at a “pivotal moment” with the transition to a new superintendent.
On potential federal funding cuts: Regardless of national political shifts, Shurak said the district must “stay rooted in its values.” The prospect of dismantling the federal Department of Education, she said, is “not only alarming” but also threatens civil rights protections, special education services and funding streams LMSD relies on. The district should work closely with state representatives and legal council to ensure LMSD policies remain aligned with equity and constitutional protections, she said, allowing the district to “serve as a model of resilience, integrity, and excellence.”
On closing the achievement gap: Shurak said addressing racial achievement gaps “requires more than good intentions — it demands sustained action, accountability, and community partnership.” She said LMSD should hold itself accountable through data, from academic placement to discipline practices. The district must also build and retain a diverse and culturally competent workforce, prioritize authentic engagement with families while creating space for historically marginalized voices to shape district priorities, she said.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: She said antisemitism, like all forms of hate, should be “clearly and unequivocally condemned.” At the same time, Shurak said, “our schools must remain places of critical inquiry, open dialogue, and civic learning.” LMSD should create clearer processes for vetting speakers and events and respond “swiftly, transparently and restoratively” when any harm is done.
Bio: Shurak is running in the Democratic primary and was endorsed by the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth alongside Kerry Sautner, Juanita Kerber and Jennifer Rivera.
She said, “I bring to this role the unique perspective of being a former teacher, principal, district leader, a nonprofit leader, and a parent raising three daughters in this district. My professional and personal lives are deeply rooted in public education, and I carry that responsibility with humility and determination.”
Shurak lives in Lower Merion with her husband and three daughters, two of whom attend LMSD and one of whom is set to begin kindergarten at Cynwyd Elementary in two years. She is currently the executive director of Teach For America Greater Philadelphia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana University and masters degrees in educational leadership and elementary education from St. Joseph’s University. She has served in a variety of educational roles, including as a teacher, assistant principal, assistant superintendent and chief school support officer in school districts across the region, including both the Philadelphia and Camden school districts.
Rebecca Brodsky
Rebecca Brodsky is an LMSD parent and small-business owner. She did not respond to The Inquirer’s questions, sent via email.
On her top priorities: At a forum hosted by the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth School Board Forum, Brodsky said her experience owning a small business has given her the skills to work within a budget and be financially responsible.
She hopes to work with Lower Merion township and Narberth to form safer passageways for students commuting to school. Brodsky believes LMSD should review its screening for its gifted program and work with special education families to make sure students are getting the resources they need. She said the district should continue inviting students to attend school board meetings and allow them to collaborate with the Home and School Association.
On closing the achievement gap: Interventions to close the achievement gap should be evaluated year-after-year, she said, and the district should work with teachers and staff members to get feedback and appropriately allocate resources.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Regarding discrimination in the district, Brodsky said LMSD needs to collect data, but should also be aware of potential underreporting when students don‘t feel comfortable coming forward following instances of hate. LMSD needs to increase communication with parents, counselors and teachers to make sure “hate does not exist in Lower Merion,” she said at the forum.
Bio: Brodsky is a small-business owner who lives in Ardmore. Her daughter is a third grader in LMSD. She served as copresident of the Penn Valley Home and School Association. She is active in her synagogue and her daughter’s Girl Scout troop.
Jennifer Louise Rivera
Jennifer Rivera is an LMSD parent and executive assistant.
On her top priorities: Rivera wants to ensure “every student in the Lower Merion School District feels supported, seen and successful in their academic journey.” That starts, she said, with using data and direct feedback to identify where students are struggling and where support systems can improve. Top issues include strengthening specialized learning plans for students with special needs, addressing academic disparities, combating bullying and hate and responding to broader community concerns.
Clearer school policies, stronger teacher-parent partnerships and better access to community resources, she said, will help equip families with tools to advocate for their children. Rivera said the district should proactively track and analyze data to drive real improvements, rather than simply react to issues. She is encouraged by the work of the current school board and is excited to support the transition the district’s new superintendent.
On potential federal funding cuts: Though LMSD does not rely heavily on federal funding, Rivera said the risks of cuts to federal education programs “go far beyond money.” She said, “A dismantled Department of Education could bring changes to curriculum guidance, weaken civil rights protections, and undermine support for our children.” Rivera said the district should identify which programs could be affected, ensure contingency planning and remain vigilant about “defending the values that make this community strong.”
While Rivera said she is “incredibly fortunate to be in a district known for its excellence,” she believes the district needs to continue improving to meet students’ needs. She believes that “good governance starts with open dialogue and effective collaboration” and that LMSD is in a moment “that demands strong leadership and expertise to face the challenges we know the Trump administration‘s policies will inevitably bring to our community.”
On closing the achievement gap: Addressing the racial achievement gap, Rivera said, requires multiple solutions, including implementing full-day kindergarten, creating time for teachers to analyze data and develop targeted strategies, and giving students extra time to seek help and tutoring. She believes LMSD should implement ongoing professional development, allowing teachers to learn and adopt practices that “positively influence student learning.”
“As a Black parent of a kindergartner who is both Black and Hispanic, I’ve personally seen the benefits of these early interventions,” she said.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Rivera said the district should require annual trainings for staff and age-appropriate lessons on antisemitism and other forms of hate for students. Educators should be equipped with clear guidance on how to “facilitate these conversations effectively and sensitively,” she said.
“I also want to acknowledge my own growth in this area,” Rivera said, adding that while she has “always believed antisemitism is wrong,” she had to “take personal steps to deepen my understanding of the fear and pain our Jewish community is feeling.” She said she has met with local rabbis, attended synagogue programs, and brought her daughter to Jewish events to better understand antisemitism. She also partnered with a local rabbi to organize a workshop on antisemitism for the middle and high school students she mentors.
Bio: Rivera is part of a multigenerational LMSD family. Her mother graduated from the district, her father worked in the district for decades, and she now lives in Lower Merion and sends her oldest child to Cynwyd Elementary. She volunteers at Cynwyd Elementary and supports the Home and School Association. She works as an executive assistant at a law firm marketing agency and studied at the University of Delaware and Lancaster Bible College.
Rivera is running in the Democratic primary and was endorsed by the Democratic Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth alongside Kerry Sautner, Juanita Kerber and Anna Shurak.
Republican Ballot
Omer Dekel
Omer Dekel is an LMSD parent and tech entrepreneur.
On his top priorities: Dekel’s platform has four prongs, according to his website: transparency and data-driven governance, fiscal responsibility, special education support and empowering parents.
Dekel said he wants to set “clear, measurable goals to ensure every decision improves student outcomes” and foster open collaboration with the community to “maximize the value of our investments and elevate our district.”
Dekel said he’s become increasingly involved in the school district in recent years, attending board meetings and participating in parent and community associations.
On potential federal funding cuts: Dekel said LMSD should “embrace local control as an opportunity” by focusing on community needs no matter the federal landscape.
On closing the achievement gap: Dekel said the district can lean on family engagement, tutoring, mentorship and early support programs while consistently measuring progress and being transparent about tracking results.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: On the issue of tackling hate at LMSD, Dekel said clear policies and incident tracking are “vital first steps to keep students safe,” as well as educating students about inclusion.
“Hate has no place in our schools, and proactive steps can prevent it,” he said.
Bio: Dekel is a longtime Lower Merion resident and the father of three Welsh Valley Middle School students. He is originally from Israel, and immigrated to the United States 17 years ago. He served in the Israel Defense Forces intelligence corps, holding the rank of reserve captain, which he said reflects his “commitment to service and leadership.” Dekel holds multiple degrees in computer science. He has spent two decades in the tech industry with a focus on artificial intelligence, innovation, strategy and data.
He is running on a slate with candidates Jacob Rudolph, Deena Pack and Talia Nissim. The group, called Imagine Better LMSD, lists combating antisemitism, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strengthening special education as its top priorities.
Dekel has been endorsed by the Republican Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth and is running on the Republican primary ballot.
Democratic and Republican Ballots
Talia Nissim
Talia Nissim is an LMSD parent and Ardmore resident.
On her top priorities: Nissim said she wants the district to close the achievement gap and ensure greater “transparency and accountability” from school administration.
“Every student deserves access to high-quality education, and our community deserves clear, honest communication about how decisions are made and resources are allocated,” she said.
On potential federal funding cuts: Nissim said the district should build strong relationships with state education agencies, develop contingency budgets, and advocate for state legislation that upholds “high standards, civil rights, and funding equity.”
On closing the achievement gap: Nissim said the district needs “new thinking.”
“We can‘t keep doing the same things and expect different results,” she said.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: She believes starting with education for students, teachers and staff will help prevent antisemitism before it takes root. She said “schools must be places where respect and understanding are the norm.”
Bio: Nissim studied at the University of the Arts before becoming a semiprofessional ballerina and dance teacher. According to her website, her years in the dance world taught her “discipline, dedication, and a deep respect for others.” She settled in Ardmore in 2016 after two years of living in Israel. She is a stay-at-home mom to her three boys, all students at LMSD. She serves as a member-at-large for the LMSD Inter School Council.
Nissim is running on a slate with candidates Jacob Rudolph, Deena Pack and Omer Dekel. The group, called Imagine Better LMSD, lists combating antisemitism, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strengthening special education as its top priorities.
Nissim has been endorsed by the Republican Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth. She is running on both the Republican and Democratic primary ballots.
Rich Lester
Rich Lester is an entrepreneur and LMSD parent.
On his top priorities: Lester’s top goals are supporting the new superintendent and establishing a clear strategic plan for the district. With a “revolving door” of superintendents, Lester said the district has “lacked consistent leadership.” Annual goals driven by the superintendent and district leadership need to be created, measured and reported on to the community, he said.
On potential federal funding cuts: Lester said LMSD is fortunate not to rely significantly on federal funding, which should “allow us to live by our priorities and values.” He hopes that with thoughtful planning and careful budget managing, LMSD can “withstand potential pressures that we have seen the federal government apply to other institutions,” including law firms and universities.
On closing the achievement gap: Lester said LMSD should identify other districts that have made progress on closing the gap. The district should also consider improving access to prekindergarten for underserved students and address differentiated standards for placement into honors classes that have historically hurt students of color.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: For Lester, data-driven decision-making extends to combating hate. In light of rising concerns in the district about racism, antisemitism and other forms of discrimination, he believes the school board should prioritize tracking these incidents and the effectiveness of any prevention and training programs.
Lester said the district needs to “balance free speech with student safety.” He said there are many gray areas, and suggested creating clear boundaries of unacceptable and acceptable speakers with room to discuss those who may fall into the “gray area.” He said he believes “a speaker critical of the Israeli government should be allowed, while a speaker supporting the destruction of Israel should not be permitted.”
Bio: Lester and his wife, Rachel, moved to Lower Merion in 2006 and have lived in Villanova for over 18 years. Their three children attended Lower Merion schools, and their youngest son is currently a high school student in the district. Lester’s mother was a teacher and his father was a partner at a local accounting and law firm. He attended the University of Pennsylvania for his undergraduate degree and UCLA for his master’s degree in business administration. Lester serves on various boards, including the board of the University of Pennsylvania Hillel. He was a Cub Scout leader for his sons’ troops and is active at the Main Line Reform Temple. He’s currently the CEO of the Ackerman Group, a firm that supports veterinary practice owners looking to sell their practices. Prior to his current role, he founded and built Veterinary Practice Partners, a veterinary practice management group.
He said his experience starting and growing businesses gives him key skills as “we navigate turbulent times in our economy and our federal government.”
Lester is a Democrat. He is running on both the Democratic and Republican ballots after being encouraged to cross-file.
Deena Pack
Deena Pack is a nurse and LMSD parent.
On her top priorities: For Pack, the two most important issues for the LMSD board are addressing antisemitism and improving special education.
Pack said her own children have faced significant antisemitism in Lower Merion schools. She said the district must implement clear policy surrounding acts of hate and create a comprehensive tracking system and quarterly evaluations.
Pack said the district’s special education and gifted students are not being adequately served. She plans to push for more special instruction teachers and a task force on special education access, which she hopes will limit litigation against the district. She believes the district is failing families who have children with special needs, and commits to being a “loud voice for immediate action on this issue.”
Pack believes the status quo has “not been working” for Lower Merion‘s children. She said the board “continues to operate the district at a deficit and refuses to allow for an open discussion on whether their spending is actually in service of our students or not.”
On potential federal funding cuts: Pack said the district should identify programs supported by federal dollars and ensure there are alternative sources of available funding.
On closing the achievement gap: The racial achievement gap in Lower Merion, Pack said, is “a terrible example of how well-intentioned programs can sometimes still fail the students they are trying to serve.” She said the current school board has “not adequately addressed this growing problem” and expressed concern about recent superintendent turnover, which she said has “only added to the district’s dysfunction.” If elected, Pack says she would immediately evaluate all programs and spending allocated toward closing the achievement gap in hopes of understanding if they are truly helping students’ performance.
“All students should feel inspired to achieve, and we should not lower our expectations in order to give a false representation that the gap is closing,” she said, regarding her belief that counselors and teachers should encourage students to join honors and challenge classes.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Regarding recent incidents in which speakers were invited to LMSD that some parents said expressed antisemitic views, Pack said, “If the district invited any speaker to the school and used taxpayer resources in order to fund the event, then they have the responsibility to properly vet the guests to ensure their messaging and social media accounts properly reflect the school district’s position and ideals.”
While Pack said free speech is “vitally important and should be protected,” she believes the district also has a responsibility to protect students from hateful speech or “galvanizing one group against another.”
Pack said she has heard herself called a “‘one issue’ candidate” during this election, which she says is false.
“While I got into the race as a parent concerned about the antisemitism experienced by my own children, I am also running on other issues that are a huge concern for our district. I feel I can bring real value and innovation into a stagnant environment,” she said.
Bio: Pack is a nurse. She is an Orthodox Jew and has three children, one of whom attends LMSD. She has been married to her husband, Kevin, for 19 years. Half her family is not Jewish and the other half is Orthodox Jewish, which gives her a unique perspective, her website says.
Pack is running on a slate with candidates Jacob Rudolph, Talia Nissim and Omer Dekel. The group, called Imagine Better LMSD, lists combating antisemitism, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strengthening special education as its top priorities.
She has been endorsed by the Republican Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth and is running on both the Republican and Democratic primary ballots.
Jacob Rudolph
Jacob Rudolph is a current Harriton High School senior.
On his top priorities: Rudolph’s top priorities are improving special education offerings, combating antisemitism and “rebuilding the bridge between” the district and families through better communication and the return of fun community traditions.
On potential federal funding cuts: Rudolph noted that a very small percentage of LMSD’s funds come from the federal government, however said the district should make a plan with multiyear budgets that assume varying levels of reduced federal aid. The district should also protect local civil rights safeguards to ensure students retain protections should federal oversight shrink.
On closing the achievement gap: Rudolph said the racial achievement gap “is a serious problem,” and that the district should implement early warning systems that flag students at risk of poor performance while triggering immediate support. LMSD should also, he said, expand tutoring, offer more opportunities to join honors-level classes and publish metrics on student achievement.
On addressing antisemitism and other forms of discrimination: Regarding a recent school event that parents say featured speakers affiliated with pro-Palestinian groups, Rudolph said, “the speakers said that they were affiliated with groups that hate Israel, and by extension, Jews, I immediately felt isolated and alone. I was made to feel unwelcome in that room. I am a proud Zionist Jew, and I believe that all Jews have a right to a place to call home.”
He said he has been the victim of antisemitism at LMSD and that the district must work harder to “combat not just antisemitic hate, but all hate in our schools.”
To combat discrimination, and specifically antisemitism, Rudolph said the district should require incidents be logged and reported and staff have annual training from the Anti Defamation League and American Jewish Committee.
He also said the district should vet speakers’ background to “make sure that they haven‘t said anything inflammatory.
“We wouldn‘t invite Hitler to speak about painting, or the Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan to teach about costume design, so why would we invite someone who hates the state of Israel, and possibly Jews, to talk about his life story?” he said.
Bio: Rudolph, 17, is a current senior at Harriton High School. He is a rower, swimmer and reader and has been enrolled in the district’s gifted-learning program since first grade. He says on his website that getting the school district to acknowledge and provide support services for his ADHD was a “battle” for his family. He will take a gap year after graduation and plans to attend a local college afterward.
Rudolph is running on a slate with candidates Deena Pack, Talia Nissim and Omer Dekel. The group, called Imagine Better LMSD, lists combating antisemitism, ensuring fiscal responsibility and strengthening special education as its top priorities.
Rudolph has been endorsed by the Republican Committee of Lower Merion and Narberth. He is running on both the Republican and Democratic primary ballots.
