Aaronda Q. Beauford, M.Ed.

Director of Communications

(610) 789-7200, ext. 3238

abeauford@upperdarbysd.org

As a proven, forward-thinking leader in Education, Aaronda Q. Beauford has served as a K-12 school teacher, Principal and District administrator for over 30 years. Ms. Beauford obtained a B.A. in Education from the University of New Orleans on a full scholarship, an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Cheyney University, and a Superintendent’s Letter of Eligibility from the California University of Pennsylvania. She completed certifications for Career and Technical Education from the Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Association (PACTA) in partnership with Temple University and Professional and Transformational Coaching at the Community College of Philadelphia. She is a doctoral candidate at Nova Southeastern University and pursuing an Accredited Public Relations certification.

Prior to her tenure at Upper Darby School District, Ms. Beauford served as an elementary and middle school academic enrichment teacher in the Greater New Orleans Area for 7 years, as Lead Teacher, Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator, and Writing Curriculum Coordinator at Thomas A. Edison Charter School in Wilmington, DE for 5 years, as Principal and Chief Executive Officer at Germantown Settlement Charter School for 2 years, as Associate Principal of School Improvement and Career and Technical Education at Chester-Upland School District for 4 years, and as Regional School Improvement and Data Specialist and Principal at the School District of Philadelphia for 4 years. Ms. Beauford joined Upper Darby School District in 2014 as Principal of Stonehurst Hills Elementary School and transitioned to Director of Communications in 2019.

Having worked with students and families in various capacities for several decades, she possesses a keen understanding of the complexities and sensitivities that engulf educational systems today and is able to apply the multi-lensed approach that is needed for communicating effectively with educational stakeholders. Her passion for students and their families, education, educators and for building partnerships with school and District stakeholders through strong communication is proven. She is a strong advocate for children, quality education, financial literacy and equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

In her current role, she acts as the primary spokesperson and media liaison for the District, overseeing internal, external, crisis, government relations, and strategic communications. She manages the organization’s public relations, branding, reputation management, advocacy, marketing, and community connectedness programmatic work and oversees the organization’s social media, website, publications, and video production. She works closely with the School Board of Directors, the Superintendent of Schools, the Superintendent’s Cabinet, District administrators, and Principals with community engagement efforts, media and social media presence, website management, and content development for community communication in a multitude of forms. She is a member of the Superintendent’s Cabinet, the Public Relations Society of America, the National School Public Relations Association, the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association, the Delaware County Intermediate Unit District Communications Professionals Group, the Delaware County Press Club, and other professional, social, civic engagement, and philanthropic organizations.

Ms. Beauford was born and raised in the exquisite city of New Orleans, Louisiana, and has called the Northeast home for over 25 years. Her passions include doing her part to improve outcomes for social determinants of health, investigating and analyzing the concept of thought leadership, reading, and traveling globally. She deeply values spending time with her husband of over 25 years, their two wonderful children, and her strong network of supportive family and friends.