Robyn Gilbert, Republican Candidate For LMSD Board

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — The 2023 primary election is coming up, and Patch is looking to give voters a closer look at who is running for office.

Below is a profile of Lower Merion School District Board of Directors candidate Robyn Gilbert.

Name: Robyn M. Gilbert
Age: 42
Gender: Female
Location/Town: Bala Cynwyd, PA
Party: Republican

Why are you seeking a position on the school board?
To put it plainly, for the children. For my children. I am a parent of 3 boys, 2 of whom are entering the school district next year. I have major concerns about how LMSD has been managed, and I want to do what I can to make sure that things are done properly and in the best interest of our children, and so that all parents can feel heard and part of a supportive community. I am alarmed by the current School Board’s refusal to listen to parents with dissenting opinions. In this current polarized climate, it is imperative to make the time and effort to hear the voices of all concerned parties. I want to be there to ensure that this happens, and that the best possible decisions are made.

What are your qualifications/experience? First and foremost, I am a mother of 3 young boys. Putting children first is my daily experience. Beyond that, I have a master’s degree in education and was a technology teacher in the School District of Philadelphia.

What are three main issues you plan to take up in the district, and how will you do so?
The first issue that requires improvement is prioritizing relationships with the parents. I believe that nobody loves a child more than their parents—even the most loving teacher, and that relationship should be honored by the schools with full transparency and cooperation. I am also greatly concerned about the mental health of our students. We need to make sure that the children are SAFE, and that they receive the help that they need when they need it. This happens best when there is open communication between all caregivers and a supportive school community.

Secondly, I believe that we need to ensure the highest standards for our academic curricula. The politicization of the current school curriculum takes away time and focus from learning the subject matter and life skills that the children will need as the move forward into their professional lives.

The budget is my third item of concern. I am curious as to how it happened that the School District overtaxed us, and we didn’t find out about it until a private citizen sued in court and settled for the $27M returned to all of us. This should not happen. Lower Merion School District’s budget should be carefully considered and executed honestly and transparently. We have been subject to a single party leadership for too long, meaning no checks and balances in this level of government, and the resulting problems with this are becoming more and more evident.

Who are elected official or political/community leaders who inspire you?
I think that anyone who is willing to stand up and fight for the change they believe in is inspiring—even if I disagree with their politics. I especially appreciate the local politicians, as they are doing this as a service and aren’t receiving the vast amounts of corporate funding like our state and national politicians.

What are some other personal information details you want voters to know about you ahead of the election?
I am a kind and fair person, who is honest and acts with integrity. I mean what I say when I talk about parents having a voice and not being prevented from advocating for their children. Running as a Republican, I realize I’m already at a disadvantage in our heavily progressive District, however I’m doing it because I truly want to serve LMSD’s families and as history has taught us, the majority opinion is not always the right opinion.