Meet Noel Kelly
Father of Three Former Wissahickon Students
Noel's family has been a part of the Wissahickon School District since 1994. All three of his daughters (Fiona, Nieve, and Clare) attended Wissahickon schools: Blue Bell Elementary, Shady Grove, the Middle School, and the High School. His oldest daughter, Fiona, graduated in 2016 and served as the student liaison to the School Board. Throughout their time at school, all of his children took full advantage of the opportunities available to them, participating in sports, student government, performing arts, and community outreach programs like Wiss Pals.
Noel enjoys traveling with his family, reading, woodworking, bowl-turning, and cooking for family and friends.
Experience in Academia
Noel holds a business degree from the Wharton School and a Master's in Bioethics from the University of Pennsylvania's School of Medicine. His educational background and business expertise will greatly enhance the district's operational and financial management. Furthermore, his knowledge of bioethics allows him to participate in discussions on various topics, including science, medicine, religion, sociology, law, and ethics.
For approximately fifteen years, Noel worked at academic medical centers such as Thomas Jefferson University Medical School, the University of Pennsylvania Medical School, and Stanford University Medical School. This experience provided him with valuable insights into educational environments, as well as effective management and governance strategies. Over the past twenty years, he has transitioned from academia to the biotech and pharmaceutical industries, where he has played a significant role in the development of vaccines and medicines that offer relief to individuals suffering from a variety of conditions.
Volunteer
Noel has a remarkable ability to navigate complex issues involving diverse stakeholder groups to achieve common goals that benefit the community in a volunteer capacity. As a cancer survivor, he has dedicated many years to volunteering with various cancer-related organizations, including the LiveSTRONG Foundation. The local team has raised over $9 million to support patients and families affected by cancer. For many years, Noel played a key role in organizing the local LiveSTRONG Challenge, a run, bike, and walk event held at Montgomery County Community College. This event required extensive coordination with the State of Pennsylvania and more than a dozen local governments. Additionally, he has contributed to organizations such as The American Cancer Society, Team I Hate Cancer, and Delete Blood Cancer.
Issues Important to Noel
Censorship
Improved Communication
Building Community
Noel is committed to preventing any form of book banning, as he views it as an extremely dangerous precedent. He believes that schools should not restrict access to information; instead, they should teach students critical thinking skills and encourage students to interpret and understand the information, promote freedom of thought, facil
Noel is committed to preventing any form of book banning, as he views it as an extremely dangerous precedent. He believes that schools should not restrict access to information; instead, they should teach students critical thinking skills and encourage students to interpret and understand the information, promote freedom of thought, facilitate the communication of diverse opinions, and teach logical reasoning so individuals can form their conclusions. He argues that censorship undermines both educational and democratic ideals, and he feels we must actively work to protect both.
Building Community
Improved Communication
Building Community
He aims to bring the “Wiss Nation” community closer together. These times feel very divisive, and we need to acknowledge this, identify the forces contributing to division, and address them directly with a sense of purpose. This won't be easy, but few necessary things ever are. He believes we can improve communications and feels we can
He aims to bring the “Wiss Nation” community closer together. These times feel very divisive, and we need to acknowledge this, identify the forces contributing to division, and address them directly with a sense of purpose. This won't be easy, but few necessary things ever are. He believes we can improve communications and feels we can educate parents and guardians about various ways to get more involved, how to engage in civil discourse, and how to help unite the community beyond their respective echo chambers.
Improved Communication
Improved Communication
Improved Communication
He believes that we must listen to both current and former students, as well as teachers, employees, and parents within the district. To establish a vision for the district, it is essential to gain a genuine understanding of our current situation. We need to be honest, self-reflective, and committed to making improvements. It is crucial t
He believes that we must listen to both current and former students, as well as teachers, employees, and parents within the district. To establish a vision for the district, it is essential to gain a genuine understanding of our current situation. We need to be honest, self-reflective, and committed to making improvements. It is crucial to enhance the dissemination of ideas and communication from the Board and district administration. This emphasis on improved communication is a common theme in all recommended enhancements.