My reason or should I say my " why" for seeking a position on the board of education is simple, my FAMILY and my granddaughter. If not now then when!
Over the past several decades, I have commitment to education, leadership, and community service that uniquely positions me to serve as a board member. I’ve volunteered consistently for over 20 years, demonstrating a focus to civic engagement and connecting with the community. My professional journey includes over a decade as a teacher and administrator in New York City elementary schools, where I gained firsthand experience with the educational system and advocating for student success as well as my collogues.
In addition, I’ve served as a college adjunct professor and supervisor to the higher education space. My coaching experience spans more than four decades, reflecting my passion for youth development, teamwork, and long-term impact. I also hold two master’s degrees—one in Reading Literacy and another in Administration Supervision which have equipped me with the leadership skills essential for effective governance.
Together, these experiences have enhanced my knowledge base and given me a foundation to be an effective leader to contribute to board.
Balancing teacher retention, educational quality, and taxpayer concerns is one of the most complex and critical challenges in public education—but it’s not impossible. Here's how I would approach it:
Invest in professional development: Teachers stay when they feel supported and valued as well as appreciated as well as offer incentives.
Focus on literacy and foundational skills: With my background in reading literacy and administration, I know that strong early education sets the tone for lifelong learning.
Community partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations and colleges to enrich curriculum and provide real-world learning experiences.
Inform the parents to see the larger picture.
I would speak with the teachers , administrators, parents and especially the children and ask what their issues and concerns are as they are in the field.
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I have served 4 years on the Mt. Olive Township School District Board of Education. 2 of which I have served as the Board President. I filled a vacant seat and then ran successfully for a 3 year term. I wish to continue the hard work and direction this board had supported our administration on refocusing our district on the students education. A return to the basics of learning for all students. I believe every child deserves access to an excellent, well rounded education that prepares them to be successful contributing citizens in life beyond just our classrooms.
My career for over 20 years has been specializing in insurance for public sector clients, municipalities and school districts. I focus upon assisting with keeping my clients fiscally responsible while meeting their collectively bargained agreement requirements for their employees. I also am the mother of 2 children. My son is a graduate of Mt. Olive Township School District currently attending Arizona State University majoring in Business Law, with a certification in Business Analytics, and a focus in classical piano. With a goal of attending law school. My daughter is a freshman in Mt. Olive High School. My 4 years on the board of education I have sat on every committee, broadening my understanding of the full scope of operations for this district. In coordination with our superintendent we created the Presidents Council to meet with union leadership to engage our employees needs on a regular basis. All of these pieces of myself brings experiences and knowledge to continue to serve in the best interest of all students and staff here in Mt. Olive.
Mt. Olive Township School district operates utilizing a zero base budgeting concept. We continue to remain under the state allowed 2% budget increase year over year. The balancing act is the heart of the budget for our district. We look to ensure our great teachers are compensated in a fair and appropriate Collectively Bargained Agreement which ensures that we retain quality teachers, bus drivers, security personnel, janitorial staff, administrators, coaches, para professionals etc. We implemented meaningful Professional Development Days for ALL staff. And look to continue to provide a supportive working environment. We continue to research, vet and invest in quality curriculum, programs, and facilities that directly impact student learning. A transparent budgeting process has allowed us to showcase our staffs expertise with public funding and financials bringing knowledge of our current environment as a district to ensure we provide the highest quality education. We foster open communication and make data driven decisions to benefit all students.
Mt. Olive Township School District we continue to analyze the data and improve upon the already laid foundation of a strong curriculum. This school year the Board approved new ELA curriculum a return to phonics and an integration with early interventions and supports for all students. The Board supported our staff to provide additional math supports to students. The term change is rather drastic with regard to the local districts ability to "change" what is mandated by the NJ Department of Education. I would change at the state level the added testing that has just been imposed on districts across the state, and allow the students to return to the classrooms for more instructional time. I would change the requirements of the elementary health curriculum from the state level and allow districts to adjust to their local community demographics and needs. I would continue to invest in music, arts, STEAM, athletics, all these programs prove to allow our students to be free and analytical thinkers outside the traditional models.
The main reason I am running again is that I think the district is talking the talk regarding bullying but not walking the walk. I have heard from parents in both MOMS and MOHS that things seem to be getting swept under the rug. I would like to provide some oversight on that.
I was previously on the Board from 2018 - 2020, then briefly filled in for a board member who stepped down. I bring both a Business and an Educational viewpoint, having earned both an MBA and an MEd.
I think that the first thing the district has to focus on is the education of the students. Students are still dealing with some of the negative impacts from COVID, and a focus needs to be placed on getting students where they need to be. A way to do that is to ensure the teachers have what they need, and the right teachers are being retained. That responsibility is in the hands of the district administration.
As I learned from my first time on the Board, more of the curriculum is state-mandated, so there can be little flexibility on the main instructional topics. I would like to ensure that the district is looking towards the future (AI prompting and the ethical implications of AI) and also shore up the basic building blocks of education to ensure all students have what they need to read/write and do math at grade level.
