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Henry Hudson Regional Board of Education - Atlantic Highlands - 1 Year Unexpired Term

HENRY HUDSON REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION - 2 Year Unexpired Term - Vote for OneAtlantic Highlands representativeSchool board members in New Jersey are responsible for adopting policies under which the school district operates; overseeing the school district budget; approving the curriculum; hiring and evaluating the superintendent; representing the public during contract negotiations; and serving as a communication link between the community and the school system. Elected school board members receive no compensation and serve three-year terms, unless elected to fill an unexpired term when a vacancy occurs.

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  • Candidate picture

    Richard Colangelo
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Allison Jacobs
    (NP)

  • Candidate picture

    Chelsea Witkowski
    (NP)

Biographical Information

What are the major challenges facing the school district, and how would you propose to address these challenges if elected?

How has your personal and professional experience prepared you to serve as a school board member?

If elected, how will you respond to parental and community concerns about the school district and the curriculum?

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Slogan Atlantic Highlands for Hudson's Bright Future
Campaign Email AllisonTJacobs@gmail.com
Campaign Facebook Page http://Hudsonsbrightfuture.com
Education BS in Infancy and Early Childhood Education from The Pennsylvania State University
Employment Preschool Teacher at Preschool in the Valley - Malvern, PA. Preschool Teacher at the Child Development Center at the Pentagon - Arlington, VA. Preschool Teacher at the Child Development CenterDepartment of Labor - Washington DC.
Regionalizing our three schools into one unified school district secured the foundation for our school community to provide better support for our faculty, further development of student achievement and retain student enrollment. Now the challenge is to continue building on that foundation so we can reap the benefits from the initiatives that have been sown. I will continue to support programs that challenge our students and empower our faculty. I am committed to making Henry Hudson Regional School District the best possible learning environment for all of our students.
Serving on the Atlantic Highlands Board of Education from 2021 through 2023 and the Henry Hudson Transitional Board since the regionalization referendum passed has been a privilege. The experience has given me an insider's view into the unique challenges of each school and the needs of the district as a whole. I have worked and voted alongside my fellow board members on many initiatives impacting the district. I want to continue the progress that we have made for the future of the Henry Hudson Regional District.
The role of the board of education is to provide the best education for all students while being fiscally responsible to the community. I believe that open communication is key in balancing the needs and expectations of both parties. I have always been available to discuss the concerns of fellow parents and community members and will continue to do so if re-elected.
Slogan Students First
Education MEd Special Education Arizona State University , BA Psychology Rutgers University
Based on feedback from Henry Hudson families, I believe that some of the major challenges facing our district include reductions in special services, limited access to enrichment programs, and declining enrollment at the high school level.

If elected, my top priority would be to address these issues by enhancing our support for students' diverse learning needs. This involves ensuring access to essential services and interventions, and improving programs that provide students with a well-rounded and challenging curriculum.

I would also advocate for open communication between teachers and the board. By listening to teachers' insights and experiences, we can better understand their needs and provide the necessary resources and support to help them effectively serve their students.

Meeting these challenges will require a collaborative effort between the board, school staff, students, and the community to develop both short-term and long-term plans that support the success of our students and our schools.
I have a master’s degree in Special Education from Arizona State University and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. My career began as a substitute teacher and paraprofessional in Middlesex County. After relocating to Arizona, I continued my work as a paraprofessional while earning my special education teaching degree. I taught second and third grades in Arizona and worked as a behavior therapist in school and home environments. My most recent role before becoming a stay-at-home mom was at a therapeutic alternative education program for children with special needs.

As a former educator and a parent of school aged children, I am familiar with the key issues facing schools and understand what is important to both teachers and administrators, as well as what matters to students and families.

If elected to the board, my goal is to expand opportunities for Henry Hudson Regional students. I am dedicated to using my experience and insights to contribute positively to the school district and to advocate for an education system that meets the diverse needs of our students.
If elected, I am committed to addressing parental and community concerns about the school district and its curriculum through a collaborative approach. I understand that a school district relies on partnerships with parents and community members, and it is important to listen and respond to their needs and feedback.

I will prioritize creating a transparent dialogue between the school district and the community. To ensure that more community members are able to participate, I will advocate for the live streaming of school board meetings, making it easier for community members to follow and engage in discussions.

I also aim to seek input from parents and community members using tools such as polls and surveys, making sure that the curriculum and school programs reflect the needs of the community.

My goal is to ensure that feedback is acted upon by working closely with educators and administrators to evaluate and adjust curricula and programs as needed.

By focusing on these areas, I believe we can better support our students and teachers by building a more responsive relationship between the school district and the community.