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Chester County, PA May 21, 2013 Election
Smart Voter Full Biography for Suzanne DiVito Simonelli

Candidate for
School Director; Downingtown Area School District; Region 6; Republican, Democratic Party

This information is provided by the candidate

DASD School Director, December 2009 to present

  • DASD schools boast continuous improvement in student achievement on Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA).

  • Lowest DASD property tax increases in 25 years.

  • 2010 budget included $2 million in expenditure cuts.

  • Addressed secondary level overcrowding:Board saved district $100 million by opening innovative magnet school, Downingtown STEM Academy which combines science, technology, engineering and math pathways, International Baccalaureate Curriculum and one-to-one laptop program housed in renovated 1930 original DASD high school. DASD is also currently building intermediate school for all district 6th graders.

  • Board approved creation of DASD high school cyber academy program to encourage cyber charter students to return to the district and save money.

  • Serve as chairperson for the Board Curriculum Council overseeing board and teacher leaders to collaboratively address educational issues.

  • Current vice chairperson of the Finance Committee.

  • Member of Student Life Committee.

  • Served on the Policy Committee and Redistricting Steering Committee.

  • School Director for the Chester County Intermediate Unit from July 2010 + January 2012.

  • Addressed Pennsylvania School Boards Association 2012 conference on STEM education initiative.

Professional, November 2008 to present

As Financial Director for Countryside Consulting, LLC, I work part-time serving 8 not-for-profit clients including the Kimberton Waldorf School. Countryside Consulting is an Exton firm that provides financial consulting, controller and bookkeeping services.

Personal

I have been married almost 20 years and Downingtown/Uwchlan Township has been home since 1997. My son attends Downingtown STEM Academy and my daughter goes to Lionville Middle School. I have been volunteering for school related functions since my oldest was in preschool. Before the school board, I held office on the East Ward Elementary Home and School Association for 3 years, including serving as President from 2007-8. Look for me around the area walking our black Labrador retriever, Charlie!

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: May 17, 2013 04:18
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