My preparation for serving on the Board comes from both my 33-year career as an educator and my experience as a parent of a district graduate. Professionally, my background in education as a teacher, counselor, and supervisor provides me with a deep understanding of academic standards, curriculum development, and classroom dynamics. Personally, seeing my child thrive in this district gives me first-hand insight into the impact our schools have on families. Guided by my background as an educator and advocate rather than a political agenda, I am well-prepared to bring practical, proactive leadership to the Board.
Addressing our district’s most critical challenges requires a careful balance between fiscal responsibility and educational excellence. I believe that over the coming years, the Board of Education will need to navigate rising healthcare costs, inflation, and competitive compensation for our dedicated staff while continuing to invest in essential curriculum development. To overcome these financial pressures without placing an undue burden on our taxpayers, we must maintain long-term fixed expenses through data-driven staffing alignment, expand shared services with the municipality, improve energy efficiency, and aggressively pursue external grants and federal aid.
In addition, we must prioritize equitable, high-quality support for our English Language Learners (ELL) and Special Education populations. By remaining committed to rigorous academic programs, essential student wellness resources, and diverse extracurricular opportunities, we can deliver an outstanding, well-rounded education for all students while maintaining strict fiscal accountability to our community.
I believe the foundation of student success rests on two key factors: active parental involvement and a rigorous, adaptable curriculum that meets every learner's needs. Furthermore, I believe that teachers, staff, and administrators set the tone for the entire school culture—driving a safe, supportive, and inclusive community where both students and families feel valued.
As a board member, I will ensure these priorities remain at the forefront. I will serve as an active and supportive listener for our parents, advocate for a rigorous curriculum that is both challenging and inclusive, and ensure our teachers and staff have the resources and support they need to help every student succeed.
As a counselor, I believe that the philosophy of open dialogue and active listening is fundamental to my approach to guidance and responsibility. By prioritizing complete transparency and engaging directly with parents and community members, we can ensure every concern is heard, build lasting trust, and make well-informed decisions that best serve our students and schools.
I was born and raised in New Jersey, have taught for 29 years in the public school system (26 years in NJ and three in PA), have been a part of several curriculum writing committees, provided teacher professional development, have proudly served on this school board for six years, am a taxpayer in this community, and am an active member of a neighboring New Jersey Education Association where I am also the Grievance Chair and a negotiations team member. The variety of experiences I have had has allowed me to see school district successes and challenges from many different viewpoints. With that I can say with certainty that I am proud to have honored my beliefs in honesty, integrity, and loyalty in staying true to myself and the promises I have made on my platform last election. I speak openly about my thoughts, concerns, and questions in relation to action items, district initiatives, and public comments. I bring conversation to the dais when I feel it is needed and encourage my BOE colleagues to do the same. If re-elected I will continue to follow on this path I have created as a public representative.
A big challenge the district is facing is community members running for the BOE simply to cut the budget. I am opposed to individuals seeking a BOE seat for the sole purpose of “cutting taxes” or “stopping tax increases.” To me this is the opposite of a board member’s duty. Although I understand the struggles our families are facing with the increase in taxes (as I am one of them) we need to continue to work on financial stability. I am in support of going to the 2% CAP to develop a responsible and balanced budget that is best for students. We also need to continue to advocate for change in state funding. I will continue to support Mr. Volpe’s advocacy and support him in his desire to collaborate with other districts in similar positions. I will also continue to advocate for fair funding as a taxpayer and BOE member.
As a fellow educator I consider the decline in student accountability another big challenge. There is an increase of negative behavior and a decrease in independently completing assignments and assessments I will advocate for policies that support appropriate student consequences for inappropriate behavior and be an advocate for administrative actions that support teachers and other staff members in implementing consequences to hold students accountable. Each student has the right to learn in a safe and non disruptive environment and the responsibility to work to the best of his/her ability with integrity and honesty.
The most important component in student success is safety. Students need to know they are heading off each and every day to a safe place and will be safe throughout the day. This starts with knowing they can travel to and from school safely. I am a proponent of courtesy bussing and voted to re-establish the wider parameters. I have also advocated for a cleared path to the high school during inclement weather and for lighting on that path. I voted yes to establishing security positions and voted yes again to adding additional security personnel. As a BOE member I have voted no to opening the schools on public polling days when voting takes place in the schools. And, as seen in another answer, I am and will be supporting administration and staff members establishment of clear expectations and appropriate consequences.
Another important component in student success is attracting, hiring, and keeping highly trained and dedicated employees. Hand-in-hand with this is providing effective and varied staff development, which includes having the appropriate amount of administrators and supervisors available to support teachers. As a BOE member I have voted in favor of protecting the school budget to preserve the programs we have and to continue to enhance the choices and variety of programs we can offer.
One of my platforms last election was open communication. I think transparency has helped to build our communal resilience. Collectively as a whole we are not perfect, but over the last two terms I have seen positive improvement. At the helm we have a superintendent who values collaboration with the BOE, HEA, HPSA and community. We have leadership within the HEA and HPSA who seek out and offer opportunities to work together. We have BOE members that speak out and ask questions at the dais and request presentations at meetings to inform the BOE and public of upcoming changes and plans. I feel that I had a large part in bringing this positive change forward. From my first term I asked questions at the dais, advocated for collaboration with stakeholders, and requested more BOE presentations to gather information. I have supported the establishment of community engagement nights to address concerns and provide information. If re-elected I will continue to do so.
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I have spent more than 40 years working in education, and that experience has prepared me well for the responsibilities of serving on a Board of Education. My career has included teaching, educational leadership and administration, special education, career and technical education, personnel, school governance, mentoring, and working with aspiring educational leaders.
Today, I continue to teach courses related to educational leadership and administration, including school finance, personnel administration, budgeting, leadership, and other areas of school management. I have served as a superintendent, administrator, teacher, mentor, and adjunct professor, and I have worked with school districts, boards of education, educators, and future educational leaders. These experiences have taught me the importance of listening carefully, asking good questions, understanding the facts, and recognizing the difference between the Board's policy and oversight responsibilities and the administration's responsibility for day-to-day operations.
My education includes an education degree from The Citadel, a MA from Kean University, and a doctorate in Ed Leadership from the University Of Pennslyvania
I believe the district faces several interconnected challenges.
First is the challenge of providing a high-quality education while managing increasing costs and pressure on local taxpayers. Hillsborough has experienced reductions in state aid while facing increases in areas such as healthcare and other operating costs.
I would approach this by making sure the Board thoroughly understands the budget, examines both short- and long-term costs, looks for efficiencies, and asks whether spending is aligned with the district’s educational priorities. I would not promise an arbitrary tax number or a particular reduction before understanding the consequences.
Second is maintaining the programs and services students need, including special education and services for students with significant needs. Financial decisions must begin with understanding their impact on students and staff, not simply looking for numbers to cut.
Third is effective governance and communication. A Board needs to establish policy, provide oversight, ask difficult questions, and hold the administration accountable while allowing administrators to manage the day-to-day operation of the schools. I would work to maintain that distinction and encourage clear, understandable communication with the community.
I believe these challenges require listening, learning the facts, asking good questions, and making independent, responsible decisions. I would approach the work collaboratively and keep the focus where it belongs.
I believe student success begins with great teaching, strong relationships, high expectations, and a school environment where every student feels safe, supported, and challenged to do their best.
Academic achievement is essential, but education is about more than test scores. Students also need opportunities to develop confidence, responsibility, communication, problem-solving, resilience, and the ability to work with others. They need to see a connection between what they are learning and their lives beyond school.
Equally important is having excellent teachers and staff who know their students and have the resources and support to do their jobs well. Students who struggle academically, socially, or emotionally must be identified early and receive appropriate support. New Jersey’s educational framework recognizes the importance of academic, behavioral, health, enrichment, and social-emotional supports working together.
As a BOE member, I would ensure these factors are addressed by asking questions, examining meaningful data, listening to educators, students, and families, and making sure district resources are aligned with student needs. I would expect the administration to establish clear goals, monitor progress, and communicate results to the Board and community.
After more than 40 years in education, I have learned that there is no single program or test that guarantees student success. It comes from having the right people, the right support, and high expectations
I believe effective communication begins with listening respectfully and making sure people feel heard. Parents, students, staff, and community members must have appropriate opportunities to share questions, concerns, and ideas about our schools.
At the same time, I understand that a BOE member must stay within the role and responsibilities established by NJ law, BOE policy, and district protocols. The Board is a body that acts collectively; an individual Board member cannot make decisions, direct the administration or staff, or make private commitments on behalf of the Board.
When someone brings a concern to me, I would listen carefully, clarify what they are asking, and help them understand the appropriate process or direct them to the appropriate district administrator or established channel when necessary. I cannot always provide the answer someone is looking for, and I would not pretend that I can. I also would not make side agreements, cut deals, or promise an outcome
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