Karen Smith, APR
- Central Bucks Schools PR Director, 8 years
- Executive Director PA School Public Relations Association (effective July 2011)
- Frontrunner, National School Public Relations Assoc.
- Communications Director, Manion for Congress
- Co-owner, Limelight Communications
- Accredited Public Relations Professional
- Former Head Committee Member, CB Relay for Life
"Our schools are a vital and important part of our community and our community's future. School Board Directors make many important decisions that affect you as a taxpayer and as a parent. You want to protect the outstanding educational product we are currently offering our community, while controlling expenses. With my background and experience in education I am the ideal candidate to help you reach these goals." - Karen Smith
About Me
An accredited public relations professional, I have worked extensively in school public relations. I am a graduate of Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communications and earned my accreditation in 2007. Currently I am the co-owner of Limelight Communications, a communication services company.
Working in education-based PR, I became known for my creative yet practical approach to common school issues. I was named a “Frontrunner” by the National School Public Relations Association. I tackled many complex issues for schools, such as property tax reform, random student drug testing, redistricting and the No Child Left Behind legislation. Part of my duties for Central Bucks included drafting and maintaining school board policies and as such I am familiar with many of the district’s policies. I was a head committee member of the Central Bucks Middle School’s Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society, which is one of the most successful Relays in the state of Pennsylvania.
Political campaigns are also an area of expertise for me. I served as the Communications Director and media spokesperson for the Manion for Congress and Carlineo for Congress campaigns.
Although schools must exercise careful financial management, schools are not businesses. It is important to have experience in education in order to make the tough financial decisions the new school board will face. School Board Directors must also be skillful communicators in order to be most effective. I am certain my background in both communications and education will serve our students and community well in this regard.
I hope you have time to take a few minutes and read my State of The Schools report - the link is on the right - and my issues page to review where I stand on educational issues.
On the personal side, I have been married for 19 years and have three children in CB Schools. My children have received an excellent education in CB and I feel it is my turn to serve our community and help provide the same in the future. I am looking forward to representing you and working hard to maintain the excellent school district our community and children currently enjoy.
