Press Releases

Press Release, February 16, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Souderton Area for Responsible Leadership Announces 2025 School Board Director Candidates for Souderton Area School District

Four candidates, three Democrats and one Independent, look to bring balanced perspectives and reasonable solutions to SASD

Souderton, Pennsylvania (February 16, 2025)— Souderton Area for Responsible Leadership (SAFRL), a political action committee (PAC) committed to strong public schools and supporting candidates for the Souderton Area School Board, has introduced their 2025 slate of endorsed candidates for School Board Director. The four candidates are Rosemary Buetikofer, Corinne DeGeiso, Andrew Souchet, and Alexandra Wisser.

The SAFRL candidates bring balanced perspectives, diverse experiences, and reasonable solutions for tangible results. Including three Democrats and one Independent, the group is dedicated to addressing growing community concerns by engaging in open conversations with taxpayers—fostering dialogue, not edicts. Believing that Souderton deserves better than more of the same, they emphasize that meaningful change starts with all of us.

Each candidate is a resident of the district, as well as a parent of students who currently attend or have graduated from Souderton Area School District.

Rosemary Buetikofer brings a lifelong dedication to public education, both as a teacher and a parent, as well as extensive community involvement. During her time as a teacher, Rosemary was active in district committees, was a Curriculum chair, and served as a teacher-mentor.

Corinne DeGeiso has an extensive background in leadership and advocacy, owed to various roles in the pharmaceutical industry. She is also the former Chairperson of SAFRL and currently serving on the SASD Comprehensive Planning Committee as a parent representative.

Andrew Souchet, PhD, is deeply committed to strengthening public education for students in grades K-12 and brings a unique perspective both as a US military veteran and from his professional experiences in marketing, sales, and education.

Alexandra Wisser, in her work as a community organizer, has gained extensive expertise in collaborating with local government, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders. She is passionate about nurturing lifelong learning in our community.

Additional candidate biographical details can be found on the SAFRL website.

“SAFRL is proud to put forward this qualified and committed slate of candidates for the 2025 School Board Director elections. For years, the SASD School Board has been occupied solely by conservatives, leaving many residents feeling unheard,” said Brenda Fletcher, SAFRL Chairperson. “This group is prepared to balance the school board with new perspectives and ideas, experience from varied fields, and shared passion for providing students with the best possible learning experience.”

Numerous events are planned for the public to meet the Souderton Area for Responsible Leadership candidates and hear more about their platform. Candidates are available for media inquiries and interviews.

Souderton Area for Responsible Leadership envisions a future where the Souderton Area School Board upholds integrity, actively involves the community, fosters a safe and inclusive environment that welcomes differing opinions, and upholds fiscal responsibility while preparing all students for success in a rapidly changing global economy.

Find the group at https://soudertonafrl.com/, https://www.facebook.com/Soudertonforresponsibleleaders, https://www.instagram.com/soudertonresponsibleleadership/ and https://www.youtube.com/@soudertonafrl

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Press Release, March 15, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Slate of Five Candidates Enters Race for Souderton Area School Board Seats

Souderton, Pa. — March 15, 2023 — The Souderton Area for Responsible Leadership group (SAFRL) introduced their slate of endorsed candidates for School Board Director of the Souderton Area School District: Kristina Bertzos, Elise Bowers, Rosemary Buetikofer, Andrew Souchet, and Scott Swindells.

“We believe school boards are under attack by groups pushing partisan agendas. We have endorsed these five candidates because they want to work toward safe, supportive, and fiscally responsible school leadership that centers the ones that matter most: the students,” said Corinne DeGeiso, SAFRL chairperson. “These candidates have the varied experience and passionate vision that can bring about collaborative change for the Souderton Area School District.”

The group is focusing their campaign on these issues:

Innovative ideas to embrace our community – increasing school board accessibility and accountability to the community and using community input to develop a forward-looking vision for the district

Excellence and Environment – prioritizing a safe, supportive learning environment while attracting and retaining — and relying upon the expertise of — excellent teachers and staff

Student-centered spending – running the district like a school, not a business, and providing new insight to ensure taxpayer funds are being used responsibly

Each candidate is a resident of the district as well as a parent of students who currently attend or have graduated from Souderton Area School District. Kristina Bertzos, PhD, is a behavioral scientist and is passionate about children’s health and well being. Elise Bowers brings sales and financial experience and a longtime interest in public service. Rosemary Buetikofer is a retired public school teacher and supporter of music education in all forms. Andrew Souchet, PhD, is a process improvement manager and US military veteran. Scott Swindells, a public school teacher and dedicated community leader, looks to build upon the momentum from his campaign in 2021. Additional candidate biographical details can be found on the SAFRL website.

Numerous events are being planned for the public to meet the Souderton Area for Responsible Leadership candidates and hear more about their platform. Candidates are available for media inquiries and interviews.

Souderton Area for Responsible Leadership is a nonpartisan group of residents, taxpayers, and parents committed to public education. We believe the school system is our most precious community asset and it must be preserved through responsible stewardship. Visit the group at https://soudertonforresponsibleleadership.com/, https://www.facebook.com/Soudertonforresponsibleleaders https://www.instagram.com/soudertonresponsibleleadership/ and https://twitter.com/SoudertonAFRL

Press Release, October 11, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bipartisan Write-In Candidates Join Scott Swindells in race for Souderton Area School Board Seats

Souderton, Pa. — October 11, 2021 — The Souderton Area for Responsible Leadership group (SAFRL) introduced their bipartisan slate of endorsed candidates for School Board Director of the Souderton Area School District: balloted candidate Scott Swindells and write-in candidates Dan DeMeno, Larry Dick and Alex Wisser.

“We believe school boards should be non-partisan, so we’ve endorsed both Republicans and Democrats who have agreed to put aside political differences to work together on behalf of our children and taxpayers,” said Corinne DeGeiso, SAFRL PAC chairperson. “In this hyper-partisan and divisive political climate, we want a school board that will commit to collaboration and fairness.”

The group is focusing their campaign on these issues:

· Reasonable health and safety measures to keep our students in school and safe.

· Engaging in open, transparent and respectful dialogue with the community.

· Ensuring the district resources are managed appropriately, balancing fiscal responsibility with educational excellence.

· Evaluating student achievement data and working to ensure all children in our district flourish to their fullest potential.

Each candidate is a resident of the district as well as a parent of school-age student(s) who attend district schools, from elementary to high school. Dan DeMeno is a graduate of Souderton Area High School and works as a municipal planner. Larry Dick is a scientist and an active community member. Alex Wisser volunteers in many community organizations, including schools, and holds a law degree. Additional candidate biographical details can be found on the SAFRL website.

An open event is being planned for the public to meet the Souderton Area for Responsible Leadership candidates and hear more about their platform.