VOTE411 Voter Guide

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.

Candidate has not yet responded.

I'm running for the SHSD BOE because, from my years of volunteering in the district, I see many opportunities for how our schools can improve as well as maintain our hallmark strengths as we seek to inform our future citizens. For the past four years I have served on the Executive Board of Bedwell’s HSA as Co-VP of Events for 2 years and then as Co-President for 2 years and was a class parent prior to that. I now serve on the BMS HSA's Board. These experiences have been a rewarding way to give back to this district which is central to our community and to my family. My work experience and background in the arts and trade school makes me a unique candidate and hopeful board member. I would bring a first-hand perspective of understanding the range of career options and paths available to our high school graduates. I had a variety of positions prior to having children, including as a technology trainer at an investment bank, an E.A. in financial services, and a hairdresser. I have a B.A. in Art History and attended trade school for cosmetology. If elected, I would be uniquely positioned on the Board from all of the above as well as my ability to represent families of younger students.

Districts need to have clear policies in place for how to respond and handle events such as an ICE visit to a school. Children should always feel safe while attending school and this goal should remain paramount in any community interactions. As a Board member, I would understand my role to ensure that the Superintendent and district have adequate training sessions and communication in place to ensure the safety, rights, and security for our school community.

I’m impressed with the efficiency of our district's budget and am aware that increasing the budget in one place would mean reducing it in another. Each year different priorities take the lead based on changing needs. A top priority is maintaining the staff we have, especially in light of cuts in nearby districts. Our district's class sizes and course offerings set us apart. Additionally, any wish list is dependent upon whether or not the referendum passes. If not, the district's aging facilities' needs would start to take top priority. That said, I'd like to see the budget continue to reflect the needs of the student services department and the growing bilingual program. Addressing competitive pay for subs and paras would help attract applicants to staff these positions. Finally, something parents of younger grade children have experienced--the dearth of opportunities in art. We must keep in mind the experiences of these students in lost art instruction and the inconsistency of school experiences as the district got on track after the pandemic. SHSD’s budget should reflect the experience and needs of our students and what we know will help them, as well as our community, to thrive.

I am running for the Board of Education because I believe every community thrives when it has a strong public school system at its heart. This is my fourth year serving on the HSA board and my second year as co-president at Bedwell. During this time, I have worked alongside all members of our learning community to achieve shared goals and to strengthen opportunities for every student.

I am a strong advocate for allocating the right resources to support our most diverse learners. I have spoken up for my own family as well as for others, to help all children receive the services they need and deserve.

As a parent of two recent BHS graduates, one child at BMS, and one currently at Bedwell, I have experienced all three schools through a parent’s perspective. These experiences give me a unique understanding of our district and make me well-equipped to represent the voices of families throughout our community.

Our schools have a responsibility to provide a safe and welcoming environment where every child can learn and grow, no matter their immigration status. We are committed to treating all students with respect while following New Jersey state laws.

A district’s budget should always reflect its mission and vision. While rising healthcare, transportation, and special education costs can create challenges, it is essential to be thoughtful and creative in how we plan programs and services. Our priority must remain ensuring that every student receives the support they need to succeed.

I spent 42 years teaching English, public speaking, drama, social studies, and the arts in public schools in just about every grade level—except kindergarten—in both city and suburban schools. The classroom always felt like home to me, and teaching wasn't just a job; it was truly my passion.

Over the years, I’ve seen again and again that all kids can learn and achieve at high levels, and I believe Somerset Hills School District is fully capable of helping every child succeed. My experience also taught me the importance of holding ourselves accountable, working hand in hand with the community, and partnering closely with our superintendent—things I now do every day in my work as a member of the SHSD BOE.

Working diligently, I’ve spent the past six years making sure that support for every child is strong here in Somerset Hills.

Education + Opportunity = Success.

All children are entitled to a public education. That right cannot—under any circumstances—be denied on the basis of immigration status. This is not a matter of debate; it is established law under the 1982 Supreme Court ruling Plyler v. Doe.

Federal law is equally clear. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) strictly protects the privacy of student records. No personally identifiable information may be released without parental consent unless accompanied by a valid, signed judicial warrant or court order. Internal ICE warrants or similar administrative documents do not meet this standard and are legally insufficient.

Schools are places of safety, not arenas for political maneuvering. Families must have absolute confidence that when they entrust their children to us each morning, those children will return home safely at the end of the day. To even contemplate using children as political pawns is intolerable and will not be accepted by me.

As a board, we worked hard to present a community-responsive and educationally sound budget.

Thanks to thoughtful financial planning, we were able to keep all current staff positions and class sizes in place while also strengthening our curriculum. Students will see new enhancements in math, language arts, special education, bilingual education, and several AP courses. We are also excited to welcome a new bilingual teacher in Grade 1.

Listening to our families, especially those whose children receive special education or 504 services, has guided many of our choices. This year’s budget invests in an additional special education teacher, a full-time district behaviorist based primarily at the elementary level, and expanded Child Study Team support. These steps not only strengthen special education services but also broaden mental health resources and overall student support across the district.

All of the aforementioned were and should rightfully be protected. As to what could be reduced, I cannot say. Education is expensive, but ignorance is often far more costly in the long run.