Candidate Roundup

I’m running for BOE because I want to give back to the community that shaped my life and set me on my path to success.  As a Mom of a first grader at Bayview, I want my son, and all the children of the district, to have the great education that I received at Harmony, Thorne, and North.  I have 20 years of professional experience as a public interest attorney, specializing in Mental Health Law. Eleven of those years have been spent as President of the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys, representing 1,200 members.  As President of a union, I have gained extensive experience in lobbying for funding and legislation at the federal, state, and local levels, in addition to testifying before legislative bodies.  I have experience working with coalitions and community groups on issues of social justice, diversity and inclusion, and eradication of poverty. I have extensive experience in understanding operating budgets and negotiating collective bargaining agreements. I’m transparent. I’m a skilled active listener and a big proponent of collaboration and consensus building; needed skills to come up with solutions to deal with overcrowding.

 

I will reach out to neighboring districts to form coalitions to fight education cuts together, rather than battling Trenton alone.  I will work to ensure consistent policies for all schools so that every child is afforded the same opportunity.  I will meet with each school community to work on a strategic action plan.  I will advocate for more vocational training and work with local unions and businesses to create apprenticeship opportunities, in addition to pushing for the best STEM and language classes to meet the needs of a 21st century workforce.  I will also work to address the alarming increase in adolescent depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation through enhanced mental health partnerships and early intervention.