Priorities

Why I’m Running for School Board

My name is Chris Sykora, and I’m running for the Southern Lehigh School Board because our public schools are too important to be dragged into divisive battles. I’m a father, an engineer, a former substitute teacher, and a community volunteer who believes in putting students, families, and educators first.

My wife and I chose the Lehigh Valley over a decade ago as the place to raise our family. Our son Benjamin attends school here, and we’ve come to care deeply about the people, the values, and the potential of this district. But I’ve grown increasingly concerned about the direction our school board is heading.

In 2023, outside extremist agendas nearly overtook our school board, but thankfully the group of average parents prevailed. But still, some of the incumbent candidates have been using their positions to stir controversy instead of focusing on student success. We can’t afford to let that continue or gain momentum.

I’m running to bring us back to what matters: education, opportunity, and respect.

My Priorities

🏫 Focus on Education

Our school board’s job is to make sure students succeed—not to fight culture wars. I’ll work to refocus the board on educational excellence, not distractions.

👩‍🏫 Support Our Teachers

Teachers are the backbone of our schools. I’ll push for better support, more resources, and policies that help them do what they do best, teach.

🎓 Expand Opportunities for Every Student

Whether a student is college-bound or pursuing a career in the trades or technical fields, they deserve pathways to success. I’ll advocate for programs that reflect the diversity of student goals and talents.

🧒 Full-Day Kindergarten

Southern Lehigh is the only district in the Lehigh Valley that doesn’t offer full-day kindergarten. That's now going to be changing soon, but there is going to be a lot of important work to do as the new full-day kindergarten program is rolled out in the 2026-2027 school year.

🥦 Healthier School Meals

Our students deserve better than processed junk. I support moving toward a healthier, more self-sustaining meal program that helps kids learn, grow, and stay energized.

🚫 No Tolerance for Bullies

I will not tolerate bullying

• Not in our schools

• Not in our community

• And not on our school board

A Voice of Reason. A Focus on Results.

I’m not running to play divisive games. I’m running to serve. With your support, I’ll bring practical, level-headed leadership to the board and ensure Southern Lehigh remains a district we’re proud of.

Let’s protect what works, fix what doesn’t, and make sure every student has the tools they need to succeed.