FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Citizens for Carlisle Schools Recommends Todd Crawley in March 17 Special Election for House District 193

Carlisle, PA — Citizens for Carlisle Schools (CFCS), a nonpartisan organization focused on strengthening public education in the Carlisle Area School District, announced today that it is recommending Todd Crawley in the March 17 special election for Pennsylvania House District 193. Dickinson Township, which is part of the Carlisle Area School District and includes more than 3,900 registered voters, will be directly affected by the outcome of this race.

Earlier this month, CFCS sent a comprehensive public education questionnaire to both candidates in the race – Todd Crawley and Catherine Wallen. The questionnaire addressed key issues affecting Carlisle schools and taxpayers, including the state education adequacy gap, special education funding, charter and cyber charter accountability, property tax pressures, student supports, transparency, and local control.

Only Todd Crawley submitted responses.

“Mr. Crawley’s answers were thoughtful, detailed, and demonstrated a strong grasp of the complex policy and funding challenges directly impacting Carlisle schools and local taxpayers,” said Rick Galena, Executive Director of Citizens for Carlisle Schools. “He addressed the adequacy gap, special education funding pressures, charter reform, and the need for transparent and accountable governance in a serious and substantive manner. He also demonstrated campaign viability and a clear plan to compete effectively in this race.”

The organization followed up multiple times with both campaigns prior to the submission deadline. Catherine Wallen did not submit responses.

“When a candidate seeks an office with significant authority over public education funding and property tax policy, declining to share positions on key issues is not a small matter,” Galena said. “Voters deserve clarity and accountability from those asking for their vote.”

CFCS also noted that a review of Mrs. Wallen’s publicly available campaign materials and social media content revealed no substantive discussion of public education policy, school funding, or charter accountability issues. “That absence of clear positions is deeply troubling and leaves us uncertain about whether she would actively support our public schools,” Galena added.

CFCS emphasized that its recommendation is based on public education policy and candidate engagement, not party affiliation.

“CFCS does not enter races lightly,” Galena said. “We are a nonpartisan organization. This recommendation is about transparency, accountability, and demonstrated support for strong public schools.”

Based on the responses received and its internal review process, Citizens for Carlisle Schools recommends that voters in House District 193 elect Todd Crawley as State Representative in the March 17 special election.

“I am honored to receive this recommendation from Citizens for Carlisle Schools as their candidate for 193rd district,” said Crawley. “The answers I have given reflect my commitment to education throughout our district. Once elected I will continue to support educational initiatives that will enhance the lives of students throughout the Commonwealth.”

Citizens for Carlisle Schools plans to engage in targeted voter education and outreach efforts in Dickinson Township to ensure voters are informed ahead of Election Day.

The full, unedited questionnaire responses submitted by Mr. Crawley are available at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HONEzng3Erq0DtU4UKsxHBQDECK3q0MU/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=101137114162881248565&rtpof=true&sd=true

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About Citizens for Carlisle Schools

Citizens for Carlisle Schools (CFCS) is a nonpartisan coalition of parents, teachers, and taxpayers who care deeply about Carlisle schools and take great pride in our community. We are committed to promoting candidates and policies that put students first, respect parents and teachers, manage district resources responsibly, and unite our community to provide the best education possible for our kids.  CFCS has successfully supported the election of all nine current members of the Carlisle Area School Board over the last two election cycles. Our engagement in races beyond school board contests reflects a deliberate effort to influence elections that directly impact the Carlisle Area School District and the quality of public education in our community.