I’ve lived in Florham Park for the past 30 years with my husband, and three children. All of my children attended the Florham Park Public Schools from kindergarten to graduation day at Hanover Park High School. I am a retired New Jersey public school teacher with a Master’s Degree in Special Education, 4 teaching certifications and decades of experience in the field of education. Including, 6 years of valuable experience while serving on the Florham Park Board of Education.

 I have Chaired the Curriculum, Personnel, Policy, and Negotiations Committee - successfully negotiating the teacher’s contract last year, that for the first time in 15 years did not go into arbitration, was ratified and signed before the school year ended. I have attended over 200 hours of Board training and workshops to earn Certified Board Leader status from the New Jersey School Board Association Board Member Academy.

Serving on the Hanover Park Regional High School Board of Education, requires a commitment of one’s time. There are Board and Committee meetings throughout the entire year, including preparation for those meetings. Each Board member is assigned to three committees, chairing one. In addition, there is mandatory Governance Training for all Board members. As a board member, I have annually participated in the recommended 3-day NJ School Board Association Workshop, where valuable training opportunities are offered.

I would welcome questions in a public forum since I am asking for your consideration and your votes on November 4th. Unfortunately, the Hanover Park Regional High School District Board of Education Candidates Forum, sponsored by the League of Women Voters, was cancelled because my opponent declined to participate.

I have earned the trust of this community, and I will continue to be diligent and conscientious in matters concerning the District. I have the ability to make tough decisions and see all sides. I have a unique perspective to serve in this position, considering I am an educator, parent of three children, a taxpayer, and sitting Board member. I will continue to respect and uphold the integrity of the Board and do what is best for all students of our District. I will not support personal agendas or engage in factional politics.

Board Experience

Commitment

I have attended state Delegate Assemblies and represented the Hanover Park Regional District in Washington D.C.  I have served as a director on the Morris County Executive Committee and Chaired the Morris County Student Recognition Committee. This committee recognizes graduating high school students entering into fields of trade, those preparing to become first responders, entering military service, as well as special needs students transitioning to vocational programs. These students are the Unsung Heroes of Morris County

 During my 9 years on the Hanover Park Regional High School Board of Education, the District has been consistently designated as “High Performing” by the New Jersey Quality Single Accountability Continuum (QSAC). The Board has been fiscally responsible, being respectful of the state mandated 2% budget cap. To supplement our budget, the District has applied for and received $1.5 million dollars in grants since 2023. Hanover Park HS has been recognized as a National District of Character for the past 8 years.  Our graduates have gone to Harvard, Northwestern, NYU, Brown, and Vanderbilt, just to name a few.  

Having faith and trust in Board members experience, dedication, leadership, and ability to facilitate Board operations is important to the voters of Florham Park. And I have the proven experience and commitment to continue to serve Florham Park and the Board of Education.

Public Trust

Military Service

 I am a veteran, having served in the USAF, Reserves and Active Duty, for fourteen years. During my enlistments I was a jet engine specialist, working the flight-line and launching aircraft. I was later recruited into Air Force Intelligence. I served in the Persian Gulf War and was awarded the New Jersey Distinguished Service Medal in 2004.  I was invited as a Charter member of WIMSA (Women in Military Service for America). I am profiled at the memorial, located in Arlington National Cemetery. Generations of my family have served community and country.  I am currently a member of VFW Post 5351.  I was asked to chair their Scholarship Committee in 2023. In the past two years, my Post has awarded $12,000 in scholarship money to Hanover Park District students.