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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Hawthorne Board of Education 2026 {_getChooseLabel(this.selections.length)}

The school board has a dual role: To represent the concerns of the citizens, taxpayers and parents to the school administrators, and to represent the needs of the students and school district to the citizens, taxpayers and parents of the community. The school board does not operate the district on a day-to-day basis; that is the job of the superintendent, who is the district’s chief executive. Rather, the school board sets the policies, goals and objectives for the district – and it holds the superintendent responsible for implementing the policies and achieving the goals.School board members are elected to three-year terms.

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  • Candidate picture

    Erick L. Gill
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Erica Mulkey-Koltzan
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Diane Oliver
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Melissa Riley
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Jennifer Thornton
    (NP)

Biographical Information

What controversies do you foresee coming to the School Board and how would you handle them?

What in your personal and/or professional experience prepares you to be a member of the School Board?

What is the most important thing that can be done to improve the education of students?

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Campaign Email Ericammulkey@gmail.com
Education B.A Teacher of students with disabilities, M.S in Applied Behavior Analysis
Qualifications/Experience board trustee, board Vice President (current), special education teacher, behaviorist, tutor, volunteer, PTO member, SEPAC member, parent, resident
Campaign Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/share/1PrcN4LdRp/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Slogan "Putting Children First"
I foresee rising healthcare costs, increasing operating expenses, and the impact of school spending on property taxes as significant challenges. We must balance providing a quality education with being fiscally responsible to Hawthorne taxpayers. I would carefully review expenditures, research cost-saving opportunities, ask questions, and work collaboratively with the administration to make informed decisions. We must protect essential educational programs while exploring ways to control costs. Transparency is also critical so residents understand the financial challenges facing our district. Fiscal responsibility means making thoughtful decisions that support students, respect taxpayers, and protect the district's financial stability.
As a fourth - generation Hawthorne resident, born and raised here, I have a personal investment in our schools. I am the only incumbent running and was unanimously elected Board Vice President during my first term. I prioritize professional development by attending local, county, and state meetings and the NJSBA Workshop convention every year. I have also earned my Board Member Certification. As an educator, I bring firsthand knowledge of curriculum, student needs, and special education. I believe effective governance requires preparation, research, asking questions, and continued learning. I am committed to making informed decisions that benefit our students and respect our taxpayers.
We must ensure every student is challenged and supported. This means maintaining rigorous courses, expanding opportunities to earn college credits, and preparing students for college, careers, and life beyond high school. We must also support struggling learners and students with IEPs through appropriate interventions, services, and accommodations. As a special education teacher and parent, I believe in inclusive environments and the least restrictive placement, giving students with disabilities opportunities to learn alongside peers with appropriate support. Being a Bear means perseverance, pride, inclusion, and supporting one another. Every student deserves to feel valued, reach their potential, and graduate proud to be a Hawthorne Bear.
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