VOTE411 Voter Guide

For nine years I’ve represented Florham Park on the Hanover Park Regional Board, and for more than a decade I’ve served our community on two school boards. I’m running to keep the focus on where it belongs: on all students. I’m proud of a district that is well-run and student-centered, and I’m committed to preserving that integrity. I will continue to support strong academics, competitive athletics, and extracurriculars. More than ever, I am committed to ensuring that personal agendas and factional interests do not disrupt or interfere with the operation(s) of a commendable and well-run District. Voters deserve a representative like me who understands governance, knows our schools, and leads with transparency, balance, and respect for the law. An opponent who states, “I will do whatever it takes,” shows inexperience and a lack of understanding in the role and parameters of a public-school board member. Nine Board members serve on the regional high school district board representing three communities. Their opinions count. My goal is consistent: with your votes I will represent every student in Florham Park and provide them with the tools reach their full potential.

I am a retired New Jersey public school teacher with thirty years in the classroom. Although retired, I remain active in education and student advocacy. I hold four teaching certifications and a master’s degree in special education. Before moving to Florham Park thirty years ago, I was elected for six consecutive years as a Committeewoman, serving the residents of my District in Jersey City. That experience grounded me in open government, budgeting, and responsive constituent service. In addition to my career as an educator, I served fourteen years in the U.S. Air Force/Air Force Reserves. I have been nominated to serve as a Director on the Morris County Executive Committee. This committee is responsible for determining relevant topics and developing training sessions for all Board members during Morris County School Board Association meetings. I have satisfied all requirements in the NJSBA Board Member Academy for Certified Board Leader. I have attended state Delegate Assemblies and represented/advocated for the Hanover Park HS Regional District in Washington D.C. Leadership skills, experience, and expertise as an educator and member of the U.S. military have prepared me to serve.

These issues occur nationwide, and the balance requires a multi-faceted approach. It goes beyond simply raising or lowering teachers’ pay. The shortage of teachers and educational employees in general makes matters worse. A comprehensive strategy involves a positive school environment, using data to guide decisions, optimizing resource allocation, and investing in cost-effective professional development. Competitive compensation is a significant factor in retention while a school district's budget goes further with creative solutions. The use of existing funds can be re-evaluated in budget conscious school districts. Improving the quality of education while keeping taxes low involves strategies that prioritize efficiency, embracing technology, and expanding school choice. Focus resources on students and classrooms. Embrace online and hybrid learning models. The 2% budget cap under which NJ schools must operate exacerbates these factors.

Our high school curriculum is robust and offers a wide-range of diverse courses. These courses include relevance to real world issues and student interests that foster student-centered learning through project based activities. Included are twenty-six Advanced Placement courses. With that said, I have always been a proponent of Civics Education and would like to see this curricula offered as a course(s) and/or integrated across subjects. It is important in high school because it creates informed, engaged citizens equipped with the knowledge to participate effectively in a democracy. It fosters critical thinking and civic responsibility. By providing civic literacy, schools empower students to understand government, and advocate for the public good. Civic education develops informed and engaged citizens, critical thinking skills, civic responsibility and promotes tolerance and respect.

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