Wissahickon Republicans
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
About Michelle Chess
Michelle Chess has lived in the district for over twenty-two years. She has three children currently in the Wissahickon school district, including elementary, middle and high schools. She graduated from Villanova University with a double major in Accounting and Management Information Systems. Professionally, she has worked in the accounting industry for over twenty-five years, including four years in public accounting, and over twenty years in the pharmaceutical industry. Currently she works as an Associate Director of Accounting for a local biotech firm.
Michelle has an incredibly strong background, professionally, as well as serving in and around the Wissahickon school district, including:
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Significant finance experience, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting
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Currently co-president of the Home School Association for Wissahickon High School
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Previously Treasurer of Wissahickon Middle School
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Served on Shady Grove 5th grade committee
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Dedicated volunteer within the district whenever possible
As both a parent and through her active service within the district, Michelle is very concerned at the actions and mismanagement from the current school board. School ranking and academic performance continue to drop, students and teachers no longer feel safe or heard, and parents have grown increasingly frustrated at the lack of communication. Meanwhile, the school board focused on costly and disruptive priorities like changing school start times, an initiative that was overwhelmingly opposed by teachers, students, parents, and administrators. Michelle would work closely with other board members to focus on support for all students towards improved academic performance, strengthening school safety standards and disciplinary programs, and increased transparency with parents and the community at large. In addition, her significant background in finance will help bring leadership towards budgetary discipline and fiscal responsibility.
Michelle has a long and proven history as a leader and collaborator who is committed to students, teachers, parents, and seeking excellence in the student experience throughout the district.
