Election 2025: 8 vie for 4 seats on Souderton Area School Board

 Two four-member teams are vying for four seats on the Souderton Area School Board in the November General Election.

The Republican “Keep Souderton Strong” team includes incumbents Janet Flisak, Stephen Nelson and Andrew Landis, as well as newcomer Steve Long. The Democratic “Souderton Area for Responsible Leadership” team consists of challengers Corinne DeGeiso, Alexandra Wisser, Rosemary Buetikofer and Andrew Souchet.

All candidates were asked the same set of questions. Below are their responses.

Flisak

    Janet Flisak, Souderton Area School District School Board incumbent (Courtesy of Keep Souderton Strong)
  

Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.

I am an incumbent Souderton School Board Director and I am seeking re-election. I have served on the board 11 years and am currently sitting on the finance committee and am chair of the policy committee. I have lived in the district for over 25 years and have worked in the corporate world since I graduated from Wharton School of Business and have an MBA. I can guide the district to be fiscally responsible with taxpayer money while seeking to ensure the school administration contracts with qualified vendors and service providers who have proven fiscal competence and financial stability.

What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?

Public education has become a complex web of challenges. Mental health issues along with Special needs are key challenges. COVID-19 had a dramatic impact on mental health issues. Souderton was one of the few districts that opened for in-school learning over the 2020-2021 school. As a sitting board director, the district has hired/contracted medically trained experts (i.e., psychologists) while providing additional training for all teachers and educators to deal with these challenges.

Please list your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.

Website: soudysbest.org

Facebook: facebook.com/keepsoudertonstrong

Nelson

    Stephen Nelson, Souderton Area School District School Board incumbent (Courtesy of Keep Souderton Strong)
  

Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.

I have been a resident of SASD for 38 years and have served our community and church in many capacities. I graduated from Lebanon Valley College with a BS in Physics. I have been a School Board member for over 7 years, serving as the current President. I have also served on the Finance Committee for 2 years as the Chair, have served on the Technology Committee and was on the Board of the North Montco JOC for 3 years. I was the owner of a large construction company for 35 years, where I served as the CFO for 8 years. Over the years, I’ve served on both nonprofit and for-profit boards. A few of these are Penn Foundation, Lebanon Valley College and Associated Builders and Contractors (both local and nationally). I am currently serving as the Treasurer of Kingdom Patrons, a local non-profit company that serves the community.

What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?

Mental Health is one of the greatest challenges we face today. There are two aspects that need attention: support of the students and financing the programs. Even though we have great programs and staff, there are not enough staff to serve our students. The cost has increased by $7M, and funding by the government has increased only by $600K in 3 years. Through better collaboration with our legislators for funds and working with government agencies and the private sector, we can help solve this challenge. Taxation is a significant and challenging issue. We continue to focus on providing the highest quality education while using our taxpayers’ money wisely. Our tax base is different from many districts, where our residents pay most of the taxes since we have limited businesses. Over 60% of taxpayers do not have kids in our schools and almost half of our taxpayers are seniors.

Please list your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.

Website: soudysbest.org

Facebook: facebook.com/keepsoudertonstrong

Landis

    Andrew Landis, Souderton Area School District School Board incumbent (Courtesy of Keep Souderton Strong)
  

Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.

I am a lifelong resident of the Souderton area. I graduated from Souderton Area HS, as did my two children. After graduating from Shippensburg University with a degree in business, I have spent 27 years in the commercial banking department of a local community bank as a credit analyst, then Relationship Manager, and more recently as a Team Leader. While School District finances are unique, I have years of experience reviewing budgets and financial statements. In addition to my work experience, I spent three years as the Treasurer for a local non-profit and am currently the Board President for Hands In Service, another non-profit serving our local community. Currently in my first term on the Souderton School Board, I am the Vice President and also Chair the Employee-Personnel Committee.

Please list your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.

Website: soudysbest.org

Facebook: facebook.com/keepsoudertonstrong

Long

    Steve Long, Souderton Area School District School Board candidate (Courtesy of Keep Souderton Strong)
  

Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.

My dynamic professional background combines both legal expertise and educational service that I believe provides me with a unique insight that will benefit the Souderton School Board and the residents of the District. As an attorney, I currently represent school boards and municipal clients, and as a former educator, I bring a unique perspective given my experiences as a classroom teacher, special education assistant, coach, and athletic director. Raised in Montgomery County, my wife and I are long-term residents of Lower Salford and proud members of the Souderton Area School District, and our two elementary-aged children attend district schools. I believe my combined professional and personal experiences reflect a deep commitment to the success and well-being of students and families in the district.

What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?

Our District is in a strong position as we are consistently ranked among the top in the state while maintaining one of the lowest operating costs per student in Montgomery County. This speaks to the dedication of our educators, staff, current board members, and the community. Looking ahead, one of the biggest challenges will be addressing the growing needs of our students amid limited state support and rising costs – particularly those with special needs. Providing these essential services requires significant resources, and we must ensure every student receives the support they deserve. I will be a strong advocate for our children, working to hold the state and other institutions accountable for meeting their obligations. Sustaining excellence while managing these financial pressures will require thoughtful planning, collaboration, and continued community engagement.

Please list your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.

Website: soudysbest.org

Facebook: facebook.com/keepsoudertonstrong

DeGeiso

    Corinne DeGeiso, Souderton Area School District School Board candidate (Courtesy of Souderton Area for Responsible Leadership)
  

Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.

I have a strong background in leadership and advocacy through various positions in the pharmaceutical industry over the past 25 years, including experience as a corporate trainer and team leader. My professional journey has equipped me to promote accountability, trust, and open communication within our school district. As a people leader, I see myself in a supporting role and this would be no different on the school board – lifting others so that everyone can succeed.

What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?

One consistent concern our team has heard over the last several months is how the controversial situation with Mr. Formica was handled last year. Residents share their discontent that the other 8 board members did not publicly condemn Mr. Formica’s behavior and instead remained silent. This has led to public distrust of the board. Our team will be a dissenting voice in times like these, once elected. The board members must be held to higher standards than the students, and we want to ensure this happens.

Transparency is also discussed at many doors throughout the district. Sharing information which is required by law should be a simple thing for the school board to do. Yet, we are often left to request items which are not readily given to the community. Meeting agendas should include all attachments every month. The board should not be voting on something if the public has not had the opportunity to review said item. Residents often ask – if these things are not being done in a law-abiding way – what else is being done improperly by the current board?

Please list your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.

Website: soudertonforresponsibleleadership.com.

Facebook: facebook.com/Soudertonforresponsibleleaders

Instagram: instagram.com/soudertonresponsibleleadership

Wisser

    Alexandra Wisser, Souderton Area School District School Board candidate (Courtesy of Souderton Area for Responsible Leadership)
  

Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.

Alexandra Wisser brings a strong background in public service, advocacy, and community engagement to her candidacy for school board. With a B.A. in Government and Politics and a J.D. from Widener University School of Law, Alex has worked closely with local governments, nonprofits, and community stakeholders throughout her career. As Conservation Coordinator for the Perkiomen Watershed Conservancy, she led award-winning conservation and stormwater management initiatives.

A longtime Upper Salford resident and caregiver to her mother during her battle with Parkinson’s, Alex understands the importance of compassion and commitment. She is an active community volunteer. At the Indian Valley Public Library, she volunteers and is a Foundation of Friends board member. In 2021, she co-founded Souderton Area for Responsible Leadership to advocate for transparency and accountability in the school district. Alex is committed to inclusive, quality public education for all students.

What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?

Our campaign has knocked on thousands of doors, and three concerns come up again and again. First, residents are frustrated by the tax increases of the past three years. Second, they are concerned about the lack of transparency from the school board. And third, many remain upset that the current board has stayed silent regarding the harmful comments made by Bill Formica, which have damaged the district’s reputation.

To address taxes, I would carefully study both current and past budgets to fully understand how money is being spent. I will ensure that our students and teachers remain our top priority, while also planning responsibly for facilities to avoid being blindsided by costly, unexpected capital expenses.

On transparency, I believe residents should have easy access to information. That means ensuring that public records are readily available and including attachments with board agendas so the community can view the details behind decisions.

Finally, I will continue to call for a board that acts ethically and professionally. Our community deserves leaders who take their responsibilities seriously and who work to repair the trust and reputation of the Souderton Area School Board.

Please list your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.

Website: soudertonforresponsibleleadership.com.

Facebook: facebook.com/Soudertonforresponsibleleaders

Instagram: instagram.com/soudertonresponsibleleadership

Buetikofer

    Rosemary Buetikofer, Souderton Area School District School Board candidate (Courtesy of Souderton Area for Responsible Leadership)
  

Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.

I am a retired teacher with 35 years of experience. I have a BS in Music Education from Penn State and a Master’s from West Chester. I am also a parent of two Souderton graduates who live and work in the area. I have spent my entire life in schools, as a student and a music teacher. I love public schools! I am uniquely qualified to be a board member because I see the school district through many lenses, as a parent, an educator and a community member.

What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?

We have issues of trust and transparency in Souderton. I have knocked on over one thousand doors since the primary election and hear this repeatedly. I understand the frustration. Residents feel that the current board doesn’t share information with the public. This leads to Right to Know requests and lawsuits. Our tax dollars are being spent on lawyers and depositions instead of textbooks and counselors.

I will insist on posting the District’s business transactions to provide transparency. I want to strengthen the relationship between the board and students so that the children in our buildings feel safe and connected while they are learning. I want the staff and teachers to feel that they are valued and their input is welcome. Our job is to help our students become amazing adults, and I will do everything I can to facilitate that process.

Please list your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.

Website: soudertonforresponsibleleadership.com.

Facebook: facebook.com/Soudertonforresponsibleleaders

Instagram: instagram.com/soudertonresponsibleleadership

Souchet

    Andrew Souchet, Souderton Area School District School Board candidate (Courtesy of Souderton Area for Responsible Leadership)
  

Describe your background and qualifications for the position you are seeking.

I bring a combination of academic, professional, and leadership experience that prepares me to serve effectively on the school board. I hold an MBA and a Ph.D., which provide me with a strong foundation in organizational management, analysis, and decision-making. I am also a certified Project Management Professional and Lean Six Sigma certified, credentials that reflect my ability to manage complex projects efficiently, reduce waste, and improve processes — skills highly relevant to overseeing district operations and finances.

Professionally, I have ten years of facilities and project management experience, giving me direct knowledge of planning, budgeting, and construction oversight. I have also taught at the college level, strengthening my perspective on education and student achievement. My 30 years of military service instilled in me leadership, accountability, and a deep sense of public duty.

For the past eight years, I have consistently attended and spoken at school board meetings, gaining insight into district issues, while also speaking with thousands of residents as a candidate, learning firsthand the priorities of families and taxpayers.

What are the biggest issues or concerns you hear from local residents? How would you address those?

Improving student learning, rebuilding community trust, and spending tax dollars wisely are the biggest concerns I hear. Unfortunately, the current board has too often ignored problems, failed to answer questions, scapegoated groups such as special education, and mismanaged construction projects — resulting in wasted funds and unnecessary legal costs.

I will focus on student achievement by advocating the use of state academic data to guide progress and ensuring board discussions prioritize academics and safety over distractions. I will help rebuild community trust by practicing transparency: answering residents’ questions directly, following sunshine regulations, and reducing the need for costly “right-to-know” requests.

Finally, I will work to protect taxpayers by promoting advance planning for policies and construction, avoiding overruns, and steering clear of poorly conceived lawsuits. My approach is rooted in accountability and respect for all members of our community.

Please list your campaign website, social media pages, and/or anywhere else our readers can find you.

Website: soudertonforresponsibleleadership.com.

Facebook: facebook.com/Soudertonforresponsibleleaders

Instagram: instagram.com/soudertonresponsibleleadership

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