Meet a School Board Candidate: Jamie Davis

Vote May 18 to "Save Our Schools" from the QAnon-wing of Trump's Republican Party!

Time Magazine recently published an article titled: “QAnon Candidates Are Winning Local Elections. Can They Be Stopped?” This question is especially pertinent for Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District, ground zero for the QAnon wing of Trump’s Republican party. Local right-wing extremists are trying to infiltrate local school boards throughout the district, even primarying incumbent Republicans deemed too moderate. This is why it is so important that voters actively support candidates who will defend public education from these political arsonists who want to burn down the belief that good governance, smart public policy, forward thinking, and accountability is what voters should care about it and instead make school board elections a battleground for their unhinged culture wars.

Because this is such a critical issue with long-term consequences not only for children, but for society, I will be using my newsletter to showcase local school board candidates who I think people should support, campaign for, and vote for. Being an engaged citizen is a full-time responsibility and as exhausting as the four years of the Trump presidency were for many folks, we can not afford to be complacent or apathetic.

Jamie Davis is a mother to a Palisades Pirate! Born in the South Bronx, she was adopted by two amazing parents who were school teachers. Jamie was taught by her parents at a young age the importance of community and working for the greater good. She has worked with children of all ages as a caregiver and teacher for 13 years.  Recently, Jamie has changed careers and now enjoys working with people in a corporate environment. Being a parent with a child in Palisades has been an amazing experience for her family. Jamie is running for Palisades School Board Region III because the Palisades Community is important to her.

[One of the Jamie’s opponents, Cora Landis, is a QAnon supporter, believes FEMA camps will be set up to indoctrinate conservatives, promotes hydroxychloroquine as a Covid cure, and thinks George Floyd protesters are “using ‘black’ to create anarchy,” among other unhinged conspiracies. — Thanks Joe Daknis for sending me the screenshots!]

Why are you running for school board?

I wanted to run for school board when the COVID-19 crisis hit, which has impacted everyone, including our children, parents, and senior residents.  It has taken a toll on many of us physically, mentally, and financially. I want to work collaboratively with the board and administration as we recover and get back to normalcy. Bullying advocacy and communication are a priority for me. Having a son in the district, I know first hand what is happening. I want Palisades to be a safe place for all our children to learn no matter what color, gender, or disability they may have. Representation matters, and being the first Person of Color to run for this position, I feel I can make other POC’s in our area see we have some diversity in Palisades. 

What do you identify as the top education issues folks must confront in your school district, in Pennsylvania, and nationally?

Overall, recovering from educational losses, budget deficits resulting from increased charter school enrollments, and the other effects COVID-19 has had on our education systems are priorities. Outside of that, I feel bullying is the number one issue in Palisades right now. In June 2020, I organized a unity rally in one of our small towns to speak out against the murder of George Floyd. Many in the local community were not happy. They didn't want “outsiders'' coming in and looting and burning down their town. I received a lot of messages from the moment I posted the rally information. Plenty were filled with hate, but I was amazed at how many parents started opening up to me on the challenges they were having with their children in the schools. Bullying was the number one issue I heard about over and over again. They reached out to me because I myself was getting bullied from many locals and parents and I didnt let it bother me. I want to be that positive role model for all students. I'm glad I can be that open door and safe person for parents to that parents can come to an communicate openly and honestly.

How can folks get involved with your campaign?

I have a website and a Facebook page they can join. We are accepting donations and words of encouragement, because it has not been easy thus far.  

Which journalists, writers, podcasts, and/or publications do you turn to for information and inspiration?

I’m currently reading everything because I'm new to this. Local news is most important to me, so I read the Bucks County Herald, the Intelligencer, The Morning Call and of course what Cyril is publishing! I haven't been into podcasts yet, but I'm definitely interested! If anyone has recommendations, feel free to reach out to me.

Thanks for reading! I look forward to your feedback and suggestions.