Dr. Carline Crevecoeur — a community volunteer, educator and retired OB-GYN — is seeking election to the State College Area School Board this year.
Crevecoeur said in a statement that she is focused on making a difference in the lives of students.
“Our community is diverse. Yet this is not reflected on the SCASD School Board, administration, and faculty,” she said. “I am running to be a voice for those who feel neglected or overlooked by the system. Biases against certain individuals often have significant influences on those students’ opportunities to learn. I’m running to make learning accessible for all our students in an inclusive environment.”
She is cross-filing on the Democratic and Republican ballots in the May 18 primary.
Crevecoeur has resided in Centre County for 15 years with her five children and husband, Dr. Michael Feffer.
She previously lived in Blair County and retired from her medical practice to homeschool her children, whom she described as gifted, after she felt the education system was not responding to their needs.
Upon moving to the State College area, Crevecoeur said, she was pleased to find SCASD offered dual enrollment, allowing her to teach her children some subjects at home while they took others in school. The program “allowed her to meet some outstanding teachers, coaches, principals…,” she said.
With her parents and six siblings, Crevecoeur immigrated to the United States from Haiti in 1968. She earned a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from from St. John’s University and her medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical School.
“She is African American and a two-time colon cancer survivor who has faced racism and many other adversities in her life,” according to a press release. “But through it all, Dr. Crevecoeur has consistently shown courage and determination.”
Crevecoeur is running as what she called a “FAIR choice,” representing financial responsibility, accessible learning, inclusivity and re-imagined education for all students.
“This means considering those who live on a fixed income or are adversely impacted by the COVID pandemic before imposing fees or raising taxes; increasing and expanding access to enrichment programs for all enrolled children because every child should have equitable access to learning,” the press release stated.
Crevecoeur said she wants to ensure SCASD provides a “welcoming and diverse community” that represents people of all backgrounds and abilities in its curriculum and staff.
“Beginning with kindergarten through 12th grade, we can also provide more social-emotional learning, community engagement and improve partnership between parents and teachers,” she said.
“Together, we can envision a greener, more environmentally responsible, and equitable State College.”
Crevecoeur’s community involvement includes serving as a physician volunteer for Centre Volunteers in Medicine and as president of the Centre County CPSL summer swim league. She has sat on the WPSU volunteer board and sponsored programs including “The Seedlings: Finding Your Roots,” and “Health Minute.”
She joins Peter Buck as announced candidates challenging for State College Area District’s Board of Directors this year
Four school board seats are up for election this year. One is currently held by Jim Leous, who announced in February that he is running for mayor of State College. The other three are currently held by Lori Bedell, Scott Fozard and David Hutchinson.
Candidate website: www.carlineforschoolboard.com.
