Readers Become Leaders

Rewriting Pottstown's Story

PSA
September 26, 2025•2 min read

“We don't fix schools by whispering in corners.” - Deborah Ann Spence

From 467 to Resilience: Rewriting Pottstown’s Story

By Deborah Ann Spence

Quote about fixing schools

When the latest rankings came out, the numbers spoke loudly: Pottstown High School is ranked 467th out of 500 school districts in Pennsylvania. That’s a number we cannot ignore. It reflects real challenges — reading and math proficiency gaps, underfunded programs, and teachers stretched thin without enough support.

But let me be clear: that number is not our destiny.

My Story: Why I Believe Readers Become Leaders

I know firsthand how reading changes lives. At one point in my journey, I was homeless. What gave me hope? Books. Reading opened doors, I didn’t even know existed and gave me the confidence to dream again.

Today, I read over 40 books every year. Each one teaches me new lessons, shapes my leadership, and fuels my mission. That’s why my motto is simple: Readers Become Leaders — and Pottstown Deserves Both.

How We Change It (Re-Elected or Not)

Whether I am re-elected to the school board or not, my work won’t stop. I am committed to helping Pottstown climb out of the 467 ranking and into a brighter future. Here’s how:

1. Empowering Teachers

  • Give teachers the resources and training they need to strengthen literacy programs.

  • Make everyone from the janitor to the top leadership -Certified Reading Coaches

2. Early Intervention

  • Support strong K–3 phonics-based reading programs.

  • Encourage after-school and summer initiatives so kids don’t fall behind.

3. Community Partnerships

  • Work with local libraries, nonprofits, and businesses to support literacy.

  • Start reading challenges and support mentorship programs that connect students with role models.

4. Accountability & Transparency

  • Track progress with clear benchmarks.

  • Share results publicly so the community can celebrate successes and push for more.

5. Modeling Success

Other towns have proven this works. Steubenville, Ohio, focused on literacy and saw their outcomes rise dramatically. Pottstown can do the same.

Why This Matters

This fight isn’t about politics — it’s about the future of our children. Kids who read confidently succeed in every subject. They grow into confident leaders. And when we strengthen literacy, we strengthen our community.

I will continue leading this mission with or without a seat on the board, because our kids can’t wait.

👉 Join me in rewriting Pottstown’s story. Together, we can prove that readers become leaders — and Pottstown deserves both.

votefordeborahannspencepottstownpottstownpapottstownschooldistrictreadersbecomeleaders
I know what it feels like to start with nothing. At one point in my life, I was homeless — but books saved me. Every page I turned gave me hope, direction, and the belief that a better future was possible. Today, I read over 40 books a year and lead with that same spirit. My story proves that readers become leaders — and I am proud to be a role model for Pottstown.

Deborah Ann Spence

I know what it feels like to start with nothing. At one point in my life, I was homeless — but books saved me. Every page I turned gave me hope, direction, and the belief that a better future was possible. Today, I read over 40 books a year and lead with that same spirit. My story proves that readers become leaders — and I am proud to be a role model for Pottstown.

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