William Howland

I was raised in Glen Ridge, a small town in North Jersey, located about 12 miles west of Manhattan. I graduated from high school in 1990 and went on to attend Albright College. It was there that I met my future wife, Suzanne Rehrig, who hails from Lehighton. I studied biology at Albright for three years before applying for early admission to dental school.

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In 1993, I moved back to New Jersey to attend UMDNJ, where I earned my dental degree in 1997, graduating second in my class. Following this, I was accepted into the Harvard School of Dental Medicine’s Postgraduate General Practice Residency (GPR) program in Boston. While the program was typically one year, I was honored to be invited to stay for a second year as Chief Resident.

Sue and I were married in November 1998. In 1999, we decided to settle in Lehighton to build our careers and start a family. I began practicing dentistry with Dr. Jan Gulden on Ninth Street in Lehighton, becoming a partial owner in 2001 and the full owner of the practice in 2004. At the same time, from 1999 to 2004, I was the Director of Dentistry at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Pottsville - providing dental care to the underprivileged.

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We have two children: our son Addison, 23, graduated from Lehighton in 2019. He went on to attend the United States Air Force Academy, and is now a second lieutenant in the Air Force. Our daughter Anna, a senior at Lehighton Area High School, plans to attend a four-year college to study accounting and potentially pursue law school thereafter.

In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, skiing, home improvement projects, and following Duke basketball. Our two dogs, Murph and Rhett, keep us busy when we’re not on the go.

Two people at a graduation ceremony, one in a military uniform, standing in a stadium with clouds in the background.

I’ve also been briefly involved in the Lehighton Shade Tree Commission and the Lehighton Water Authority.

For the past 22 years, I have been a successful business owner, a local employer, and a responsible taxpayer, both personally and for my business. I have always strived to contribute positively to the community, and my experiences have taught me the importance of accountability and fiscal responsibility.

As the spouse of the Lehighton High School principal, I have a unique perspective on the daily realities of our schools. This connection provides firsthand insight into the challenges and successes that students, teachers, and staff experience every day. I understand how policies and decisions impact the classroom, giving me the ability to advocate for practical, student-centered solutions.

While maintaining independence in decision-making, I bring a deep appreciation for the work of our educators and a commitment to ensuring they have the resources and support needed to help students thrive. Now, more than ever, as we watch the current board waste taxpayer money on buyouts, lawsuits, and exorbitant legal fees, I believe it’s crucial that we bring about change at that table.

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“I am running for LASD School Director because I believe it’s time to return the focus of our district to education and student success, not distractions and poor financial decisions. I am committed to bringing a balanced, responsible approach to the board that prioritizes the needs of our students, teachers, and staff, while ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency.”

I graciously ask for your support for myself and my four running mates as we work together to bring about the positive change our district needs. Let’s work to refocus on what truly matters: educating our children and preparing them for a bright future.