Charlene Rauscher, a practicing attorney who says she has significant experience in contract review and preparation, has announced she is running on the Republican ticket in the May 19 primary for a seat on the Northwestern Lehigh School Board.

Rauscher currently specializes in elder law, guardianships and estate administration.

She is a prior attorney for the Pennsylvania Superior Court and is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and U.S. District Court.

Rauscher, a national certified guardian, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University and a Juris Doctor from Seton Hall University School of Law.

Rauscher, who is the only candidate not to cross-file on both the Republican and Democrat tickets, says she is a fiscal conservative whose priority will be to serve the interests of the taxpayer.

"I will make judicious and informed decisions on their behalf –while furthering the educational needs and opportunities of the Northwestern Lehigh School District students," Rauscher stated via email to The Press.

A resident of Lynn Township for 16 years, Rauscher and her husband Frank have been married for 22 years.

Her husband is a 1986 Northwestern Lehigh graduate and his family has lived in the area more than 40 years.

Rauscher says she has been consistently dedicated to the Northwestern Lehigh School District, having served on the school district Strategic Planning Committee, 2015; middle school PTO, vice president, 2013-14; member, 2012-15; school district Public Safety Committee, 2009; Northwestern Elementary Partners In Education, 2006-12; and NYAA board member, 2011.

"I am the only non-incumbent candidate who has consistently attended school board meetings to gain a working knowledge of the important issues facing our district - from the operating budget involving fund balance sustainability, PSERS, building renovations, outsourcing services, and collective bargaining negotiations - to educational matters involving student achievement, testing standards, and the changes associated with Common Core," Rauscher stated in her email.