Last week, I had the opportunity to speak to the Derry Township School District Board of Directors, and here are my comments:
My name is Lesa Brackbill, and I’m running for school board. As a mother of three and a passionate resident of Derry Township, I’m deeply invested in our children’s education.
My qualifications stem from a blend of professional experience and personal dedication. I hold a master’s degree in strategic communication, serve as a nonprofit board director for KrabbeConnect, and possess a profound appreciation for Derry Township’s history, exemplified by my role as a tour guide at High Point Mansion, where I highlight Milton Hershey’s commitment to education.
A Google search for my name will highlight how seriously I take things that matter to children, and how I work tirelessly to solve problems.
My family’s journey has further solidified my commitment to our schools. We chose Derry Township for its excellent district eight years ago, unaware that our twins would eventually require special education services. The district’s support has been invaluable, and we are so grateful.
However, my most transformative experience began ten years ago when our firstborn, Victoria, was diagnosed with a terminal, genetic, rare disease called Krabbe disease. On diagnosis day, we were not only told that our daughter was dying, but that if we had caught it at birth, we could have treated it.
She died nine years ago this week; Tori was only twenty months old. This devastating loss ignited my advocacy. I successfully changed two newborn screening laws in Pennsylvania, ensuring early detection and treatment for countless children. This is Tori’s legacy. And, I can say that changing laws in Pennsylvania changed me.
This chapter of my story demonstrates my ability to drive meaningful change and my unwavering dedication to children’s well-being.
Everything I have experienced over the past ten years has shaped my approach to advocacy and life in general. I prioritize listening, learning, and collaboration. I understand the importance of evidence-based decision-making and strategic communication. I am committed to involving all stakeholders. I believe in putting principle over party in all decisions.
After ten years of building Tori’s legacy in Pennsylvania, I’m ready to advocate for our district for Isaiah, Caleb, and all children with special needs. We must safeguard their access to essential services, regardless of changes in state or federal policies.
I believe in:
- A fair and free education for every child, regardless of ability.
- Empowering teachers to excel in their profession.
- Data-driven, evidence-based decision-making.
- Nonpartisan governance.
- Preserving Milton Hershey’s legacy of educational excellence and opportunities.
I am dedicated to serving our community and ensuring a bright future for all our children. I am ready to learn, listen, and lead. Thank you.
To learn more about me, you can visit this page.
I am excited to be on the ballot for the first time, and I hope that you will get out and vote in your local elections, wherever you live, because local officials impact your daily life!
The Pennsylvania Primary Election is May 20, 2025
and the General Election is November 4, 2025.
As a side note: a local blogger posted about the candidates for school board yesterday, and I thought this was a great opportunity to clarify why the four of us cross-filed (which puts us on both the Republican and Democratic ballots). He made it sound as though we were doing something nefarious, and that’s simply untrue.
The school board is (and always should be!) a nonpartisan position. To give both parties an opportunity to choose the candidates, school board director candidates and other nonpartisan positions (like judges) will file with both parties to ensure ballot access for all voters. Yes, I did have to switch my voter registration from non-partisan to a party to vote for myself in the primary.
While there are four open seats and four candidates on the ballot, more than four people could have filed to run, so our cross-filing did not keep anyone from running, despite what this blogger said.
I won’t link to it to give him attention, but I hope that anyone who may have seen it finds this clarification as well.
Even So, Joy 
I’m proud to support you and I wholeheartedly agree that school boards are not meant to be treated as partisan positions. I know you will represent us well. You listen to understand and have a unique perspective and life experiences that will add considerable value to the board. Thank you for putting yourself out there!
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