Ballot Position

Ballot Position. It's important. In an election where the top three candidates win, to get ballot position 1, 2 or 3 is huge. So you can imagine my disappointment when I didn't get those. Or 4. Or 5. Or 6. But SEVEN. Some say seven is lucky and I'm hoping that's true. So my request to you is to please spread the word that i'm number SEVEN on the ballot. 7! Thanks so much for your support.

Technology

Technology! It's what i'm passionate about. I'm that person that always has the new iPhone, iWatch, iSomething. I'm that person that people call to help with their computers, email or gadgets.

I was so excited to hear that my cousin's daughter was given a new laptop as a freshman at her high school. In fact every student at her school was given laptops to be used for the duration of their high school careers. My cousin's daughter is now a senior in college. A senior!! That was almost eight long years ago that her public high school lent out student laptops. 8 YEARS AGO! To say Paramus is behind is an understatement. I've asked around and many neighboring public schools have given out laptops to their students. We are one of the few that haven't. Textbooks are online. Assignments are online. Everything is online.

One of the things I want to fight for if elected to Board of Ed is more technology. I'm proud of our schools but don't want them to fall behind with this. Anyone that has visited the high school or any of the middle schools knows how shotty the wifi is. The high school has a BYOD policy. Bring your own device. But you are only allowed to bring one. That's great! But when that one device you bring can't successfully connect to the school's network, how useful is that?

Now i'm not going to be pretend to be a technology expert. That I am not. And I know that new computers and upgrading our network is going to cost a lot of money. But can you think of a better way to spend the budget's money. I'm hoping the future of Paramus schools is more connected. In more ways than one.

Happy New Year

The new school year is days from starting. I might be more excited than the kids. I drove around the schools yesterday and was so happy and impressed to see the changes everywhere but especially at West Brook Middle School. The addition of the many many parking spots will make traffic flow and parking a lot easier this year. I've also seen photos of the new and improved cafeteria. It looks absolutely fabulous. New tables, new floors, new lights! The works. Thank you Board of Education for funding these much needed projects. I know you will see many improvements at all the other schools as well. Many jobs well done!!

Make a change? But how?

I recently was asked how i wanted to "make a change". I wanted to share my reply.

First things first. I obviously want to change who's on the board. I want to change the dynamics of the board. I want to change how the board interacts with each other and the community. I've attended many many meetings where the current board is just so disconnected from each other. Many ugly arguments and inconsistencies.

I feel like I'm a fresh voice and it's time to shake things up at the BOE. It's time for change. It's time for something new.

I want to change how the public views the board. Right now it's not very positive. This needs to change. A board that works together cordially is one that can achieve anything. I want what's best for my kids and all the students of Paramus. I'm not saying the current board doesn't have the students best interest in mind it's just how are they supposed to accomplish anything when they can't agree on simple things. (Attend any meeting and you will see what I mean.)

Last night I attended the monthly board meeting and there were 8 people in the audience and that included one reporter. You might say "well that's b/c it's the summer", but honestly that's the usual attendance unless there's some pressing matter that the parents are upset about. Our community doesn't attend these meetings regularly at all. That's something I would love to work on. Getting the parents and community wanting to attend and be more informed on what the board is working on to better our district.

More to come! thanks for listening.

But why?

As soon as I announced my candidacy for Paramus Board of Education I was repeatedly asked, "Why?" "Why do you want a volunteer position where you're not paid for all the hard work it demands". Well the answer is because. Because I love Paramus. Because I love the Paramus Schools. Because I want what's best for my kids and your kids. Because I'm sick and tired of sitting back and being unhappy with the current board's actions and decisions. Sure.. i could sit back and do nothing. But that's not me. I can't sit back and watch our schools be only good. I want to do something to make them great. Make them outstanding.  Hey, I know I can't change everything. Nobody can. But being elected is a start. There are many many reasons why I'm running. But truth be told I'm running mostly to shake things up at the Board of Ed. It's time they got a new voice. It's time for a change. I hope I can count on your vote on November 8th. Make a difference. Make a change.

Summer improvements!

 I'm always happy to see summer improvements at our schools. The biggest discussed update of the summer is the East Brook turf. Originally I had thought it was supposed to be used for soccer. But now with the installation of the goal posts and the lines I'm beginning to think differently. Regardless of what sport will be using the field, I think it looks absolutely fabulous. Now if only they could fix West Brook up as nicely. Maybe next year.

4th of July - Help from my little friends.

I attended the Paramus 4th of July parade with some little friends... by little friends I mean my daughter and her 11 year old friends. They were happy to help me spread the word that I am running for Board of Education. Honestly I think they think they are my campaign managers. They each wore a tee shirt with my name, that I made at my house the night before (i'm a bad procrastinator) and they walked the parade route handing out my business cards with contact information and candy. I wanted to thank my little friends (or shall I say minions) for doing such a great job! So thank you to my daughter Katie and her friends, Riley, Vanessa, Lea, Jenna, Amanda and Rachael! Thanks for spreading the word!