VOTE411 Voter Guide

I am the proud parent of two current Hunterdon Central students, and two Hunterdon Central graduates, and I am motivated to run for Hunterdon Central’s Board of Education to support the education of all of our high school students. I have been a part of the fabric of the Hunterdon Central community since my oldest child started high school in 2015, nine years ago. My extensive experience as an involved community member and as a previous Readington (preK-8) Board of Education member make me an ideal candidate for the Hunterdon Central School Board. I will be able to contribute to the board immediately. One of my greatest qualities is my smile. I am welcoming and enjoy conversations that open up new perspectives and ways of understanding each other. These qualities allow me to reach across to bridge gaps and bring people together for greater understanding, critical to uniting a Board of Education to do the good work of providing an excellent education to our high school students.

1) Parental involvement in education has been shown to create educational success for students, and I support all opportunities to create collaboration between parents, students, and the school. I have been involved in the Hunterdon Central Home School Association since its inception, and our goal is to foster relationships and share information between parents and the school. I would love to see more opportunities for Central’s parents to get involved in this great initiative. 2) Fiscal responsibility allows Hunterdon Central to maximize student success for every dollar spent. In this time of inflation, rising costs for health care, and the importance of retaining qualified staff and bus drivers, it is important for the Board of Education to prioritize effective fiscal oversight so that our students have the resources they need to be successful. 3) Valuing the many different paths to student success is so important. I support the expansion of student opportunities to find their passions whether that is through career and technical education, dual enrollment, capstone courses, or through military partnerships.

Hunterdon Central just hired a new superintendent in August, so I will probably not have the opportunity to ask questions to a superintendent candidate during my three year term. Our newly hired superintendent, Ms. Jessica Cangelosi Hade, brings a wealth of experience not only in curriculum and instruction but also in expanding opportunities for students. I support her efforts to diversify opportunities for students to receive college credits while at Central, to pursue career and technical education opportunities for students, and to foster community partnerships that enhance student experiences outside of the classroom. Ms. Cangelosi-Hade prioritizes communication with all stakeholders which is important to our Readington community. She seeks and values input from staff and students in order to create a thriving educational community at Central which helps to retain teachers and to make a safe and caring environment for students.

New Jersey was the first state in the nation to require public schools to teach media literacy in grades K-12 by passing a bipartisan bill in January 2023. Unfortunately, this effort has stalled, and there are currently no state learning standards for media literacy. All literacy is important in higher education, and I support the inclusion of media literacy and critical thinking as part of English/Language Arts and History classes, for example, to fill in the gap. This allows students to be educated on discernment of reliable media information while not creating a separate required course which keeps options open for our students to try a variety of electives during their high school careers.

The textbooks and curricular resource materials available at Hunterdon Central are extensive and varied in support of providing educational opportunities led by student needs and interests. Hunterdon Central is a regional high school bringing together students from five different communities with diverse experiences. I support the policies in place to allow Readington community members a process for any complaints about materials to be addressed in a consistent manner. I think those policies and regulations which were last updated in 1998 should be reviewed and updated to include parents in the reviews of challenged materials so they have the opportunity to provide their input in the process.

I’m excited to be part of the solution. As a parent, I deeply care about student success, building trust with parents and the community, and fostering an environment of open dialogue and diversity of thought. I want to help create an education system that prepares students not just for exams, but for life beyond the classroom—with practical, real-world skills. I believe the best decisions come from listening to a range of perspectives—parents, students, teachers, and the broader community. It’s this collaborative approach that strengthens our schools. For parents and the community, I want them to know that every decision we make will be in the best interest of the kids, with trust built through transparency, accountability, and open communication. With over 30 years of professional experience my passion has always been to help people succeed. My leadership style is rooted in teamwork and collaboration, and I’ll bring that same passion for building success to the school board. As a parent, I have a personal stake in our schools, which fuels my determination to create an environment where all students are supported and prepared for the future.

Expand Life-Ready Skills in the Curriculum: Students need more than academic knowledge to thrive. Beyond exams, they should be equipped with real-world skills like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving. I will advocate for expanding electives and extracurriculars that empower students to learn beyond the basics. By partnering with local professionals and community members, we can explore innovative ways to provide life-ready skills that prepare students for success beyond the classroom. Support Student-Driven and Individualized Learning: Every student learns differently, and education should reflect that. A flexible, student-centered approach ensures each child’s potential is recognized. I will advocate for more opportunities that offer access to technology, mentorship, and vocational training, allowing students to explore their interests and learn in ways that suit their needs. Create a Safe Learning Environment: Students must feel safe to focus and succeed. I will prioritize initiatives that enhance school safety, including improved security and anti-bullying programs.

How do you prioritize and implement programs that support both academic excellence and real-world readiness for students? This would help us understand the vision for education beyond standardized testing and how they plan to equip students with practical skills for life. Can you share your approach to fostering a culture of open communication and collaboration among teachers, parents, and the community? The goal is to gauge their commitment to transparency and inclusivity, as well as how they plan to build strong partnerships that enhance student success. What strategies do you have for ensuring all students feel safe in their learning environment? This question will help understand their perspective on the importance of student well-being and how they plan to address safety which is vital for a productive educational experience.

It’s essential for students to learn how to critically evaluate sources of information and understand the importance of fact-checking. By developing ongoing critical thinking skills, they can form independent thoughts and opinions that they can confidently support. In today's world, where information is constantly streaming in from countless channels, these skills are more crucial than ever.

I believe the educational materials used in our schools should focus on core subjects like literacy, math, science, and practical skills that prepare students for their future professional lives. These foundational topics are essential for equipping our students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed after high school. When it comes to materials that extend beyond these core areas, I believe it’s important for parents to be involved in the decision-making process. Open dialogue with families can ensure that any additional content aligns with our community’s values and educational goals. Ultimately, our priority should be to foster an environment that supports student growth and prepares them for the challenges ahead.