VOTE411 Voter Guide

Monroe Township is a beautifully diverse community with strong resources, excellent public services, and schools that attract many families, including my own. Yet, as a parent with three children currently in the district and one recent MTHS graduate, I see pressing challenges and opportunities for growth. One of the most critical is the absence of free full-day kindergarten. Monroe remains one of the few districts in New Jersey without it, despite clear evidence that students in full-day early education are better prepared academically and socially. As both an educator and a parent of a Barclay Brook kindergartner, I believe our youngest learners deserve a strong foundation in literacy, math, and social skills to set them on the path to long-term success. While I know the district is working towards the state’s full day KG mandate, as a Board of Education member I would ensure we are efficiently advancing this goal—through state advocacy for funding, collaboration with administrators, and partnerships with our township. Equally urgent is fair funding. Monroe currently receives $0 in state equalization aid due to a flawed formula that misrepresents our community’s needs and population. Only a few Middlesex County districts share this inequity. Without proper state aid, we cannot fully address critical needs like early education, school building repairs, and overcrowding. I will actively advocate at both the local and state levels to push for a fairer formula. Finally, I believe no challenge can be solved without strong community partnerships and stakeholder engagement. As a volunteer on the Human Relations Commission, I see firsthand the value of collaboration with local officials, businesses, and organizations to expand student opportunities such as internships and volunteer programs. I also propose regular parent and community surveys to ensure open communication, giving families and educators a direct voice in shaping solutions.

Student success begins with strong Early Childhood Education. Full-day programs starting at age three help build reading, writing, and math skills while allowing teachers to identify learning challenges early. Early intervention ensures students get the support they need for long-term success. Equally important is hiring and retaining empathetic, highly qualified educators. Teachers are the foundation of achievement, and they must be supported with resources, professional development, and fair compensation. Students also need a curriculum that is rigorous and aligned with New Jersey Student Learning Standards (NJSLS) to ensure consistency and excellence across all grade levels. As students move into middle and high school, they must be prepared to thrive in a global environment. Access to advanced programs, competitions at every level, and opportunities for community service and volunteerism help them grow academically while also developing leadership, empathy, and civic responsibility. To sustain these efforts, collaboration is essential. Building community partnerships, engaging families, and maintaining open communication ensure that the district reflects stakeholder needs. At the same time, I will advocate for a fairer state funding formula and pursue grants and scholarships to expand opportunities for students, staff, and schools.

I believe the responsibility of a school board member is to ensure that every decision prioritizes students, staff, and schools. The driving force behind each choice must be the betterment of our children, achieved through collaboration and strong partnerships with all stakeholders. A school board member must also go beyond the district by advocating for our schools at the local and state levels. This includes working to secure resources, funding, and opportunities that give our students the tools and advantages they need to reach their educational goals and thrive in the future.

As a proud product of the NJ public school system, I understand firsthand the challenges students face in achieving their dreams. I hold a B.A. in Political Science and a Masters in Public Administration and Public Affairs from Rutgers University, along with NJ teaching certifications in Social Studies, ESL, and the Supervisory Certificate in Curriculum Design and Instructional Leadership. With 15 years of teaching grades 6–12 across multiple subjects, I understand the importance of academic rigor and robust curriculum development. Professionally and personally—as a mother of four—I am committed to creating opportunities and supporting students academically and socially, ensuring all of our children can thrive in Monroe Township schools.

Monroe faces challenges on multiple fronts: rising enrollment, increasing taxes, and meeting both the academic and emotional needs of our students. But the challenge that underlies them all is the need for trust in leadership. When ethical lapses and unprofessional behavior create doubt, it distracts from solving real problems.

I would address these challenges by supporting responsible facilities planning, making fiscally sound decisions that maximize the impact of every tax dollar, and ensuring full transparency in board operations. I look forward to working with other school board members to ease the burden of the taxpayer by researching and applying for available grant money, brainstorming new revenue sources, and meeting with our State Legislators to address the issues with the School Funding Formula and Impact Fees. Most importantly, I will work to restore and protect public confidence in our schools by insisting on leadership that is honest, accountable, professional, and devoted entirely to students.

Student success depends on three pillars: strong teaching, supportive programs, and trustworthy leadership. Teachers need training, resources, and technology to inspire learning. Students need access to programs that address academics, mental health, and special education. But none of this can flourish without leaders who set the right example. Students and families must be able to count on school leadership to act with integrity — not to deflect responsibility or avoid tough questions. As a board member, I will make sure our resources reach the classroom while also ensuring that the standards of honesty and accountability are never compromised.

School board members are entrusted with safeguarding both the quality of education and the trust of the community. That means setting policy, ensuring sound financial stewardship, and always keeping students at the center of our work. Just as important, board members and administrators must model the highest standards of ethics, professionalism, and transparency. When leaders fall short — whether through evasiveness, lack of professionalism, or ethical lapses — it creates distractions that undermine learning and divide communities. A school board must be vigilant in preventing those failures and committed to protecting families’ confidence in their schools.

As a lifelong Monroe resident, graduate of Monroe High School, mother of five children who all attended our schools, and a grandmother of current students attending Monroe schools, I have a deep connection to this community. I’ve worked as a Teaching Assistant while completing a degree in Medical Lab Technology, gaining firsthand experience supporting students with diverse needs and working side-by-side with educators. In addition, my years of community service — from volunteering to fundraising and supporting Monroe’s sports, arts, and school events — have taught me that schools thrive when families and leaders work together with integrity. I believe honesty and accountability must guide every decision I make as a school board member.

Budgeting and proper state funding, a rapid student enrollment growth and facility overcrowding as well as public controversy surrounding the district’s leadership at the superintendent level are all challenges facing the Monroe Township school district. New Jersey’s state aid formula provides no equalization aid to Monroe that disadvantages our school budget. This leads to compromising school facilities and programs which are vital to the school system and its students. As a board member I would advocate for equalizing the state formula to ascertain that Monroe receives it’s proper share when budgeting is being parceled for towns. I will be transparent on the impact of the state formula and its impact in order to have Monroe Township constituents contact the New Jersey Department of Education to re-examine the state’s school funding formula so we are on par with other NJ towns. We need to continue the push before the state’s Assembly Budget Committee to highlight the unfair formula and advocate for increased aid for Monroe. To address the enrollment growth and facility overcrowding the Board of Education and administration can develop new referendum plans that address community concerns about costs and impact on taxpayers. We need to be strategic in how we execute future construction plans so they are staggered based on annual population increases. An informed public is an educated public. With clarity and frequent communication with residents on the necessity of facility enhancements and the benefit to the town and future constituents, will assist in charting a coordinated path for the community. There is a general lack of trust by the community in existing leadership and one of the goals should be to strengthen the community relationship and regain that trust. Reevaluation of the current administration leadership in a transparent manner by setting clear expectations and timelines are all ways to regain the trust again

The most important factors for student success are making sure that facilities are adequate and not overcrowded, the curriculum is on par with standards and there is an adequate effort made to retain the best teachers for the students. As a board member I will work to address overcrowding by being a proponent of construction of new schools/additions in the middle school and high school. We will utilize modular and portable classrooms and leasing space until the new schools and additions are put into place. The funding for the facilities will come from advocacy at the state level for fair funding for the township similar to what is allotted to other towns without tax increase. Taking the political conflicts out of the curriculum and providing transparency/communication will be my solve for the school curriculum issues. We will provide direct answers to community members on questions on curriculum policies and underlying issues. In order to retain the best teachers for the school district you need a multiprong approach that addresses compensation, professional support, working conditions and an overall culture that supports work/life balance. As a board member I will work to advocate for competitive salaries via regular benchmarking with neighboring districts as well as cost of living incorporation into compensation. Professional support will be provided through mentorship programs for new teachers, personalized growth pathways for existing and new teachers.

The responsibilities of the school board member are to set the educational policy and goals, oversee the annual budget, provide a thorough review of the hiring and evaluating performance of the superintendent of schools and to act as an in between liaison between the public and school district. As a member of the board it is the primary responsibility of all board members to have a vision that sets the long term goals that dictate district operations and philosophy. This should be done as a unified body and in alignment with other board members excluding partisanship views. In order to ensure a healthy fiscal outlook for the board, the board member has to understand, adopt and manage the annual budget.

I attended the Jersey City School System at a time when the school system was in disarray and had been taken over by the state. I have first hand knowledge of what a student experiences when the school system lacks resources and direction. I went on to attend McNair Academy in Jersey City and then went on to complete my Bachelors and Doctorate Degrees in Pharmacy from Rutgers University. After the completion of my education, I went on to serve the Veterans of this country and worked at the VA Hospital in NJ. Currently I am a strategic leader in the pharmaceutical industry overseeing budgets. I have been on two boards and helped established a large community center. I believe my experience and passion fuels my desire to be on the board.

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Our students in Monroe deserve every opportunity to succeed. At the same time, Monroe taxpayers shoulder too much of the cost, which places a significant burden on our residents. Fiscal responsibility must remain a priority—we must ensure that every dollar is spent wisely and continue seeking innovative ways to reduce costs without impacting programming. It is also essential that we keep advocating for an overhaul of the state funding formula so that our town receives its fair share. I have testified at budget hearings in Trenton and Newark before our state legislature, as well as at a school funding hearing with the Department of Education. The more vocal our community is, the greater chance we have of success in our advocacy efforts.

Another challenge is continuing to expand opportunities for students. A top priority of mine is working with the administration to provide full-day kindergarten as soon as possible. I also want to strengthen dual-enrollment programs, expand enrichment services, and ensure that our special education students have every tool and resource they need to thrive.

Finally, student mental health has been a growing concern, particularly in the years following the pandemic. We must make sure our students feel safe and supported at school. I would like to expand social-emotional learning programs during the school day and also introduce programs for parents to help them address the key challenges their children may be facing.

I believe the most important factors for student success are strong academic instruction, supportive learning environments, and engaged families.

The teachers in Monroe are wonderful, and we must continue to find ways to support them. It is also important to find opportunities that meet students where they are—whether through enrichment or additional support services.

Equally important is student well-being. A child cannot thrive academically if they are struggling emotionally. That means providing access to counseling, expanding social-emotional learning, and ensuring our schools remain safe.

As a school board member, I will continue to ensure our policies prioritize student success. I will also continue advocating for fair funding so that Monroe receives the resources our students deserve. By focusing on both academic excellence and student well-being, we can give every child the tools they need to succeed.

A school board member’s role is to provide leadership and oversight, always keeping students at the center of every decision. We are responsible for setting the district’s vision and policies and approving a budget that uses taxpayer dollars wisely.

We also serve as advocates for both students and taxpayers. That means ensuring every decision balances high-quality education with fiscal responsibility. Board members must carefully review legislation that may affect our schools and advocate whenever possible in the best interests of Monroe’s students, staff, and community.

Equally important, board members must stay connected to the community. Listening to families, engaging with staff, and ensuring transparency are all essential.

I bring experience as a former public school teacher for 10 years, a small business owner, and an active community member. I hold graduate degrees in Music Education and School Counseling. During my first term, I’ve served on several committees, earned the NJ School Boards Association's highest individual board member certification, and represented Monroe at the state level to advocate for our students and community. Education is a passion for me, and I am truly thrilled to be able to give back to my community while focusing on something I am so passionate about.

One of the biggest challenges facing our district right now is balancing the need for educational excellence with the financial realities families are facing. For example, Monroe is one of the few districts in the area that still does not offer full-day kindergarten. This puts our youngest learners at a disadvantage compared to children in surrounding towns, and it places an additional burden on working families who must find and pay for outside care. Expanding to full-day kindergarten is not just about convenience—it’s about giving all Monroe children a strong foundation from the start.

At the same time, families are already feeling the strain of one of the largest school tax increase in Monroe’s history. Taxpayers deserve to know that every dollar is being used wisely and that the district is exploring all possible ways to increase efficiency, generate revenue, and advocate for more equitable state funding.

These two issues—providing the programs our children need while maintaining fiscal responsibility—are deeply connected. The path forward requires thoughtful planning, transparent communication, and a willingness to prioritize both our students’ growth and our community’s financial well-being.

As a candidate, my focus is on solutions that strengthen our schools without putting unnecessary pressure on taxpayers, so that Monroe families can be proud of both the quality and the sustainability of our district. I would address this challenge by leveraging my background in budget management to ensure that we invest in programs that drive meaningful outcomes for students and position Monroe Township for long-term success. At the same time, I would take a critical look at initiatives that may have limited impact to ensure every dollar is used effectively and responsibly.

Student success is driven by several key factors, including high-quality instruction, a safe, supportive learning environment, and availability of diverse, student-centered resources that support individual learning styles.

I would ensure these factors are addresses by supporting policies that help bridge achievement gaps and promote inclusion. All students—regardless of background—deserve access to high-quality curriculum, technology, extracurriculars, and support services.

I would regularly review data to monitor progress, assess student growth, evaluate the effectiveness of programs, and make informed decisions that directly support and improve learning outcomes.

Finally, I would partner and engage with families and the community to improve student outcomes. I would work to build transparent, two-way communication between the board, schools, and the community to foster trust and collaboration.

A school board member’s primary responsibility is to make decisions that prioritize the success, growth, and well-being of all students. This involves setting a clear vision and long-term goals for the district, establishing policies that guide effective operations, and providing oversight of the budget to ensure resources are used efficiently and responsibly.

Ultimately, school board members are entrusted to lead with integrity and accountability while always putting the children at the forefront of every decision.

A school board member’s role is about leadership and accountability—not running day-to-day operations. The superintendent manages the schools, while the board sets the vision and policies that guide the district.

My personal and professional experiences have given me a strong foundation for serving on the Monroe Board of Education. I currently serve as President of the Parent Staff Association at Monroe Township Middle School and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Oak Tree–Applegarth PTA. In these leadership roles, I have worked closely with teachers, administrators, and families to support programs and build stronger connections between home and school. These experiences have taught me the importance of collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and listening to different perspectives before making decisions. Professionally, I manage multi-million dollar budgets, which equips me to contribute to the management of the school district's budget.