There are 6 candidates running for 3 open, 3 year terms and 1 candidate running for a 1 year, unexpired term. Below is information collected about each candidate.
Kim Barron
I am extremely proud and deeply honored to have served the vibrant and diverse community of Mahwah as a member of the Board of Education for three years and as Board President for the past two years. If re-elected, I will continue to promote an environment in which honest communication can take place between students, parents, taxpayers and the Board. I will stand by my promise to support our students, teachers and administrators while keeping my focus on the education, health and safety of our children. I believe the Mahwah School system provides and will continue to deliver a well-rounded education that prepares students for our world and all its challenges. I look forward to working together to propel Mahwah onward toward even greater
successes with bold ideas put forth in a fiscally, responsible manner.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1480826158848083/
Dr. Peter DePasquale
I am a former college professor (Computer Science @ The College of New Jersey) before I relocated to Mahwah and returned to commercial software development.
I am a father of three children currently enrolled in the Mahwah schools and a fourth child will be entering kindergarten in 2021. I am also the father of twin special needs children who reside in South Jersey.
I hold multiple degrees in Computer Science, including a Bachelor’s and Master’s from Villanova University, and a Master’s and Doctoral degree from Virginia Tech. In fact, my PhD dissertation research was in the area of Computer Science Education. I have co-authored two texts on programming, including the popular Java Software Solutions textbook (Addison Wesley / Pearson), used by a number of colleges in their introductory programming courses.
Raised by former public school teachers from Rhode Island, I am a product of a public school system and am a strong advocate for public education, including special education and STEM/STEAM-based curriculum integration.
In my spare time, I lead Den 1 of Cub Scout Pack 197, coach a 3rd/4th grade soccer team, and assistant-coach a 7th/8th grade soccer team. My wife Susan Patton DePasquale is a Mahwah Schools Foundation trustee, as well as vice president of the George Washington HSO.
My family and I are big fans of all of the Villanova athletic teams as well as the Philadelphia Eagles! Yes, Eagles fans can live in harmony in Giants country!
I look forward to representing you on the Mahwah Board of Education. Please don’t hesitate to stop and say hi, and discuss any concerns or accolades you have with our school system. I can be found at Mahwah High School Football games (watching the team and my daughter in the marching band), and at various town events. Keep your eyes on this page for more information about where I’ll be around town.
https://www.facebook.com/DePasqualeForBoardOfEducation/
Richard (Rick) DeSilva, Jr.
Current First Vice President on the Mahwah Board of Education.
John Dinice
My name is John Dinice and I’m running for re-election for the Mahwah Board of Education. I have lived in Mahwah for 28 years and have three children in the Mahwah school district. I currently serve on the Mahwah Board of Education as the 2nd Vice President.
I also Chair the Policy Committee and serve on the Executive/Planning Committee, Facilities and Finance Committee, and Technology Committee. I previously served on the Community Relations Committee, Liaison to the Bergen County School Boards, and Liaison to Mahwah Access for All. In addition, I have completed the required 3 year training mandated by the NJ Department of Education and have attended numerous workshops, conferences, and seminars.
All three members of the Executive Committee, which includes the President and both Vice President’s, who also happen to be the longest tenured members of the Board of Education, are all up for re-election this November.
Our town is facing uncertain times and during times of uncertainty experience, stability, and leadership are vital. It is our responsibility to protect our school district with strong legally sound policies in order to keep the district properly funded so that we may continue to be a high performing school district and among the best in New Jersey; now and in the future. We owe that to our children.
https://www.facebook.com/John-Dinice-437184510016256/
Sal Trabona
My name is Sal Trabona and I am a candidate for the Mahwah Board of Education. I have been a proud resident of Mahwah for the past twelve years and look forward to the opportunity to help shape the future of our town. My wife, Kristen Niosi Trabona, has been part of the Mahwah community since 2001 when she began her teaching career. She spent the next 16 years in various positions within the district. Our love for the town and the schools moved us to Mahwah in 2005, and currently our twin daughters are third graders at Betsy Ross. I take great pride in being part of Mahwah and facilitating our children to strive for a successful future, whether it is through supporting the school programs or actively volunteering in Mahwah youth sports.
Sal Trabona is committed to putting our students first:
- Community: Work with various stakeholders to provide our educators the resources and support they need to guarantee our children’s success
- Relationships: Create strong authentic community relations to ensure our students learn the real world skills they need to be competitive in the workforce
- Budget: 17 years in finance and operations have given me experience balancing budgets without compromising the core focus ~ our children
- Technology: Our children deserve the best ~ Support further integration of innovative technology to support teaching and learning with an emphasis on STEAM
- Excellence: Support the tradition of excellence to raise already competitive national and state rankings
https://www.facebook.com/Sal-Trabona-for-Mahwah-Board-of-Education-115760792449065/
Lynda Zaccone
Lynda Zaccone has been a resident of Mahwah for 32 years, an educator for 28 years, and a Mahwah teacher for the last 18 years. Zaccone believes in the importance of maintaining low class sizes and suffient levels of school funding. She has high praise for the teachers in Mahwah and has called for increased collaboration between the MEA and the Board. Zaccone belives above all else that children are our most valuable resource. She feels that ensuring students’ educational and emotional well-being should be the highest priority of the Board of Education. When asked why she is runnin for the Board of Education, Zaccone said, “Education matters. I care about the community, the children, their education, and the reputation of the Mahwah Schools. I have always given back to the community and would like to continue to do so.”
Ben Kezmarsky
Current Trustee on the Mahwah Board of Education.
Informal Meet and Greet
There is an information meet and greet on October 30th from 7-9pm at the Mahwah Bar and Grill.
MahwahStrong’s Schools Committee developed a questionnaire for each of the Board of Education candidates. They provided the responses in a PDF on their website. Below are the responses from each candidate:
Candidate: Kim Barron
(Please note that although I serve as a Trustee on the Mahwah Board of Education, the statements made in this (letter/blog/ post/link, etc) are my personal opinions and are not authorized by, nor written on behalf of the Mahwah Board of Education.)
1. What is your own experience with public education?
My experience with public education is as follows: – Mother of a 17-year old son currently attending Mahwah High School – Step-mom to two young men who graduated from our district – Education activist who has traveled to Trenton, testified before the State Board of Education and met with our elected officials on numerous occasions to advocate on behalf our our children and our schools. – Member of the NJ School Boards Association – Trustee on the Mahwah BOE since 2015 and have served as BOE President since 2016.
2. What core values do you embody with regards to education?
My core values don’t change with regard to any particular discipline. My core values can be summed up in one phrase, “do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. I live my life according to this statement. In my mind it is the most important phase to live by because it sums up every conceivable core value I could possibly list. If the world would abide by this simple belief, we would all be in a much better place.
3. What are your priorities for the district in the coming year? No Organization can do everything they would like to do, so priorities must be established.
First let me say, individual priorities are basically a “wish list” when working with eight other Board members. The BOE works as group of seven committees. Those committees are: Instructional & Curriculum / Special Education Finance & Facilities Policy Community Relations Executive / Planning Negotiations Technology Within those committee meetings, members (no more than 4 BOE members because more than that would constitute a quorum) meet with administration and staff to share ideas. That is where individual priorities are discussed. The entire Board has an opportunity to discuss their thoughts and ideas with Committee Chairpersons prior to decisions being made at a BOE meeting.
Some of my individual priorities (personal wish list) are as follows: – Monitoring the middle group of students to make sure they aren’t “falling between the cracks”. I am happy to report, the district is implementing a “Pathways Program” that will help those students struggling with making decisions as to what path their lives might take based upon their personal interests and giving those students the opportunity to “try-before-you-buy” courses before being trapped in a course or path the student isn’t interested in pursuing. – Increased vocational opportunities offered in our district. Less standardized testing. I would like to see tests given to students that are created on a local level with immediate results so as to help inform the classrooms and allow teachers to use their talents and experience to reach those students immediately who might be struggling. – Increased parental participation at BOE meetings and Thunderbird Parent Academy presentations. It is very frustrating we do not have large audiences at our BOE meetings. We are very thankful to Ms. Slockbower for volunteering to videotape our meetings. However we shouldn’t be relying upon a community member to videotape meetings. On a positive note, the administration is investigating a way to implement a program in which our Board meetings are taped internally and posted to our district website. – Continue a measured approach with regard to implementing technology in our classrooms. I have read of school districts that have gone “full speed ahead” with the implementation of technology only to end up with teachers becoming frustrated because they were not training in the implementation and use and students being guinea pigs while losing precious educational time. – Return to basic math in the younger grades so those students will have a stronger foundation before moving onto math concepts. I’d also like to see a return to the art of cursive writing especially after reading reports about how the brain retains more information when notes are taken in longhand rather than by using a laptop or other device. – A return to civics classes and Constitutional Studies
4. Do you see yourself primarily as a representative of the community or as a representative of the school system?
I see myself as a representative of both the community and the school system. I view a BOE trustee as being a liaison between both worlds.
5. What is your own experience with public education?
Yes, of course I believe BOE members should work with town elected officials to keep informed regarding any issues facing the community. Councilman Steve Sbarra is currently the Town Council liaison to the BOE. BOE members regularly attend Town Council meetings and/or view them after the fact. The BOE has on their “to do list” a way to create a BOE liaison to the Town Council which is easier said than done because, as you know, Town Council meetings are very long whereas BOE meetings are usually about an hour in length. It would be difficult to expect one BOE member to attend every Town Council meeting. We have talked about some type of rotating schedule. Luckily, the BOE has a relationship with Mr. Sbarra and we inform each other of issues of concern within our community.
6. Are there any town concerns that you feel would adversely affect the Board of Education?
I understand the current town concerns that would affect the Board of Education as being a drastic change in the makeup of the BOE. That is why I encourage everyone to vote in our elections no matter how insignificant you may think the election might be; remember “all politics is local”. Keeping informed, learning who the candidates are and what they stand for and then voting your conscience is instrumental in keeping a strong and vibrant community and BOE.
7. What makes you knowledgeable about district policies, guidelines, needs, challenges and strengths?
Our public schools are mandated by the State to meet the needs of all students, regardless of their abilities and backgrounds. Even without those mandates, I am positive in my belief our dedicated teachers, administration and BOE would ensure all student’s needs are met. In our district as with any district, there are students who require certain programs that we might be unable to provide within our district. However, it is our responsibility to evaluate those students and provide an educational venue that meets their needs as well as provide transportation (and medical personnel if necessary) for that student throughout the school day. We also must provide bedside educational opportunities for those students who require such a program. 8. What makes you knowledgeable about district policies, guidelines, needs, challenges and strengths?
What makes me knowledgeable about district policies, guidelines, needs, challenges and strengths is working closely with administration and having the ability to access information I would need through our website or a quick phone call to whoever in the Central Office might be able to provide the information. The Board and administration have a very good working relationship and when asked for information to help inform decisions on various topics, the administration is always ready to provide that information in a timely manner. Another way I become knowledgable about issues within the district is through informal conversations with parents, teachers and students. I have to admit social media plays a part in conveying concerns that are out their in our community. However, social media can not be the impetus for a Board member to bring up a topic at a Board meeting. That is where we need community members to attend meetings and bring those concerns to the entire Board after they have exhausted all over avenues through the chain of command (ie: meeting with teachers, principals and the superintendent) prior to coming before the BOE.
Candidate: Mr. Rick De Silva, Jr.
1. What is your own experience with public education?
My public education experience is limited to the 5 years that I’ve served on the Board. I believe that over those five years, my business experience has been a greater asset than a background in public education might have been. For instance, a public education background isn’t necessary to review architectural drawings for replacement windows at the High School as a member of the Finance and Facilities Committee, or to help craft a policy on drone usage on school grounds as a member of the Policy committee.
2. What core values do you embody with regards to education?
I believe that every student should access to the classes, teachers, and resources that are appropriate for them to maximize their educational experience. That means if a student is struggling in a subject, he or she should have access to the support they need to master the lesson at hand so they can continue to build upon that knowledge. Conversely, when a student is on track to ace every math class Mahwah has to offer before their Senior year (it has happened!), the District needs to find a way to challenge that student right through graduation. Regardless of whether a student is at the top of their class, at the bottom of their class, or somewhere in between, they deserve the same level appropriate support.
3. What are your priorities for the district in the coming year? No Organization can do everything they would like to do, so priorities must be established.
My priorities in the coming year will be to continue to work on projects that I’ve been involved with in the current year. For instance, the Policy committee updates our District’s Policies and Regulations whenever there is a change in a law or statute recitation. However, there are many policies that either do not include recitations or cited recitations have not changed…these Policies and Regulations might be legal, but outdated. The Policy Committee has undertaken the project of reviewing every District Policy and Regulation to ensure they are relevant and up to date. Since there are thousands of Policies and related Regulations, this project will likely take more than a year to complete. Another project I’m involved with is the cell tower by Secor’s. This is the first time the Board is embarking on a project like this, and we’re making sure that we do it the right way. It’s taking longer than anticipated to get the RFP out, but when it does go out, it will be written to maximize the benefit to the District. Third and probably biggest project will be the construction of a new STEAM facility on the High School grounds. This is the biggest and most expensive project that the Board has undertaken in a long time. It has required a lot of work, and will require a ton more going forward.
4. Do you see yourself primarily as a representative of the community or as a representative of the school system?
As an elected member of the Board, my job is to be a good steward of the tax money the Board receives from residents. That means making sure that we get the most bang for every buck we spend to maximize the taxpayer’s investment. The return on that investment is well rounded students that are well prepared for the next step in their lives.
5. What is your own experience with public education?
Right now, Councilman Sbarra is the liaison between the Board and the Council, and we enjoy a great relationship. An example of this relationship is the cell tower project. The town found three technically suitable locations for the tower…two were on township property, but the neighbors objected. The third location is owned by the Board. Steve approached the Finance and Facilities Committee to float the idea of building the tower on the Board property. Our committee met with township officials to discuss the subject, and a tower on Board property is in the works. This is how governing bodies should interact.
6. Are there any town concerns that you feel would adversely affect the Board of Education?
The biggest concern for me would be the addition of high density housing, and the increased number of students such an addition would bring. The Council is doing their part to reduce the number of units that Mahwah will be forced to accept, but until those numbers are known, there’s not much to be done. Of particular concern is the Mayor’s proposal of a PILOT development in the center of town. This would bring additional students to the district with no additional tax revenue to support the cost of their education. This should be a non-starter, and I was glad to hear some council candidates express their opposition to such a plan at their candidates night last week.
7. What makes you knowledgeable about district policies, guidelines, needs, challenges and strengths?
The Board doesn’t meet the needs of students…our teachers and administrators do. The Board’s role is to be sure that Mahwah’s teachers have all the tools they need (facilities, technology, training, etc.) to do what they do so well, and stay out of their way.
8. What makes you knowledgeable about district policies, guidelines, needs, challenges and strengths?
The short answer is…5 years on the Board!
Candidate: Peter DePasquale
1. What is your own experience with public education?
In addition to my three children currently enrolled in our school system (at George Washington, the Ridge, and the high school), I have children with significant special needs enrolled in a special needs school, managed by the Moorestown School District. I am a product of public education as well, and both of my parents were public school teachers. Finally, I was an Assistant and Associate Professor of Computer Science at The College of New Jersey from 2003-2015. Given all of these experiences, I feel that I have a more than suitable background to be a candidate for a seat on the Board of Education.
2. What core values do you embody with regards to education?
I believe that each child should be afforded an equal opportunity at a balanced, diverse, safe, and supportive educational environment which is customized to their needs and goals. Having grown up in a home with two public school teachers, I was instilled with strong beliefs in the value of a solid education, with a strong respect for educators who not only have outstanding teaching skills, but also take an interest in the personal growth and development of their students.
3. What are your priorities for the district in the coming year? No Organization can do everything they would like to do, so priorities must be established.
I would like to see the special education program undergo a thorough, independent review and evaluation. Special education is very important to me (in addition to my twins in Moorestown, another of my children receive services from Mahwah) and I believe we are somewhat failing in this regard. A number of families have come forward to discuss their stories with me and I do believe that there are issues present in our system that need our prompt attention and warrant concern. Mahwah strives to be a top-tier school district for typical students. We can certainly do better with our special needs community.
Additionally, as someone that works in the tech industry, and taught computer programming I would work to continue to strengthen our efforts in STEM and STEAM, as well as promote and increase our efforts in attracting underrepresented minorities into the STEAM fields.
4. Do you see yourself primarily as a representative of the community or as a representative of the school system?
If I were to be elected to the Board of Education, I most certainly would see myself as a representative and resource to the Mahwah community. Given that a rather large percentage of our tax dollars are distributed into our school system, I feel our community needs strong representation on the Board of Education.
5. What is your own experience with public education?
I feel that it is very important for Board of Education members to connect and engage with our town elected officials on our community’s issues. As a candidate, I have already begun to engage with multiple members of the Town Council. I would continue my efforts by attending Town Council meetings and continuing an open discourse with all Town Council members and the town’s administration.
6. Are there any town concerns that you feel would adversely affect the Board of Education?
I am very concerned with the New York para-political organization’s efforts to impact our wonderful community and quality of life. Their repeated efforts in other locations have made it obvious that the playbook for their efforts include the undermining of the public school system in each destination they choose
As many of us are aware, a number of communities around us have seen their Boards of Education and school districts impacted significantly in a negative fashion by the organization’s efforts to reduce the quality and funding of the school system in question. I vow to do everything in my power as a member of the Board of Education to work with all willing board members and town administration to ensure that the Mahwah school system remains as excellent (if not more so) as it is today.
7. What makes you knowledgeable about district policies, guidelines, needs, challenges and strengths?
If elected, as a board member responsible for decision making efforts on how our funds are spent within the district, I will strive to do my own research and investigation into the various activities, programs, and needs of our children. I would also ensure that the board always strives to provide a fair, balanced, and equitable program of curriculum and extracurricular experiences for all students in our district regardless of their background and socio-economic status. As I stated above, I am concerned with any group who acts to siphon funds from existing successful programs for the benefit of their own group to the detriment of the school district. We can not permit our district to fall victim to these actions after working so long to ensure the quality education that we currently provide to our children.
8. What makes you knowledgeable about district policies, guidelines, needs, challenges and strengths?
I believe that through my experience as a former educator, father of students in our district, and regular attendee of Board of Education meetings, I have an outstanding base of knowledge on which to build. I won’t lie to the Mahwah Strong membership and claim I know everything. I am not an incumbent with a clear advantage of the workings of the district and privy to the closed meeting sessions. I can say that I am confident that my background makes me an excellent candidate for a seat on the board, and my passion for our children and our district will drive me to learn what I do not yet know. I promise that I will work for all of us if you elect me to a seat on the board.
Candidate: John Dinice
1. What is your own experience with public education?
My experience with public education include currently serving on the Mahwah Board of Education as the 2nd Vice President in addition to being a member of the Executive/Planning Committee, Chairing the Policy Committee, serving on the Technology Committee, and previously serving on the Community Relations Committee, Liaison to the Bergen County School Boards, and Liaison to Mahwah Access for All. I have also completed the required 3 year training mandated by the NJ Department of Education and have attended numerous workshops, conferences, and seminars sponsored by the NJ Department of Education and Bergen County School Boards.
2. What core values do you embody with regards to education?
I care very deeply in public education, that’s why I decided to run for Board of Education in the first place. I believe that strong schools make strong communities and enhance everyone’s quality of life. I would like to continue working along with our talented administration and outstanding teachers in continuing our reputation as a high performing school district and among the best in New Jersey.
3. What are your priorities for the district in the coming year? No Organization can do everything they would like to do, so priorities must be established.
To answer this question I must refer to the school district and BOE goals that I along with the other two members of the Executive Board, Kim Barron, President and Rick DeSilva, 1st Vice President, helped to develop. They are to monitor and report on the anticipated success of the Thunderbird Parent Academy, to develop and maintain the appropriate methods of communication that will inform, support and engage the Mahwah community, and to continue to support the expanding role of technology in the classroom through appropriate funding of professional development, personnel, curriculum, and hardware. In addition to the above, the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) building project is also my priority for the district in the coming year. I serve on the Facilities Committee that is overseeing this project along with Rick DeSilva and Ben Kezmarsky who are also on the ballot this November. This project will further enhance our educational offerings by blending science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics in an innovative way that empowers our students to research, design, engage, collaborate, and to ultimately build visionary ideas. The end result of a STEAM educational approach are students who take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem-solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process.
4. Do you see yourself primarily as a representative of the community or as a representative of the school system?
I see myself as both a representative of the community as well as a representative of the school system. The primary responsibility of the Board of Education is to be a liaison between the community and the school administration. As BOE trustees there are occasions where we have to advocate for, and bring to the attention of the school administration, issues from the community that we may not agree with. It is not our place to take a side on these issues but rather be a sounding board for the community. We must also be a representative of the school system by supporting our staff so that they can be the best possible educators they can be for the betterment of our students.
5. What is your own experience with public education?
Yes, I believe that BOE trustees should work with town officials to keep informed regarding issues facing the community. This is already being accomplished by the Town Council having a liaison to the BOE who attends BOE meetings regularly and in turn BOE members who regularly attend Town Council meetings. The current BOE has a superb working relationship with the Town Council, as evidenced by a request at a recent BOE meeting from Town Council Liaison to the BOE Steve Sbarra, to alleviate poor cellular service in the Masonicus Surrounding area by building a cell tower on BOE owned property located on Airmont Road across from Secor Farm and away from any residential area that would have a negative impact on property value. The Facilities Committee, that I along with Rick DeSilva and Ben Kezmarsky serve on, were given the task of determining if this location was suitable for a cell tower and if there was any benefit to the school district and community. We acted decisively and swiftly by ordering an inspections of the property to determine if the land is suitable to build on. Based on this inspection the Facility Committee decided to move forward with this project that will ultimately resolve the poor cellular communication problem in the Masonicus area and at the same time provide additional revenue for our school district.
6. Are there any town concerns that you feel would adversely affect the Board of Education?
The Mahwah BOE is well aware of the challenges facing the school board’s in East Ramapo, Clarkstown, and Lakewood, and are determined not to let that happen in here in Mahwah. The Policy Committee that I Chair, and that Rick DeSilva is a member of, is the BOE equivalent to the Town Council Ordinance committee. The Policy Committee has begun the process of reviewing and updating the districts over 500 policies to ensure that the district is properly funded now and in the future. To comment further on what the Policy Committee is doing in this regard would not be in either of our best interest.
7. What makes you knowledgeable about district policies, guidelines, needs, challenges and strengths?
This is an interesting question. Honestly, we can’t meet the need of all of our students. There are students with significant cognitive or behavioral/emotional deficits that are best served by an out of district placement at a significant cost to the district but I feel is our moral and statutory obligation.
8. What makes you knowledgeable about district policies, guidelines, needs, challenges and strengths?
Obviously, being a current member of the BOE as the 2nd Vice president, and current member of the Executive/Planning Committee, Technology Committee, Chairing the Policy Committee, and previously serving on the Community Relations Committee, Bergen County School Boards Committee Liaison, and Mahwah Access for All Liaison, makes me knowledgeable about the district policies, guidelines, needs, challenges, and strengths.
Candidate: Mr. Sal Trabona
1. What is your own experience with public education?
Although I do not have work experience in the public education sector I do have knowledge as a parent of two Mahwah students, and the husband of a 17 year educator who spent 16 years in the Mahwah schools at various levels. I believe I bring a unique set of skills to the position on the Mahwah Board of Education due to the fact that I possess both operations and budgeting experience, along with the various educational resources I have at my disposal.
2. What core values do you embody with regards to education?
I think this is a fabulous question. I would say my strongest and most crucial core value is family. I have not taken the choice of running for the Mahwah Board of Education lightly and I do not take the responsibilities if elected any less lightly. My decision to run was solely based on family. I am the father of two Betsy Ross students and a proud father at that. I do not only think of my family when I think of the Mahwah schools, I think of the Mahwah schools as a family, each and every student, educator, administrator, board member and parent combined. I also believe accountability is a crucial core value in regards to education. There needs to be accountability throughout the process. The Board of Education must hold our Administration responsible for not only their performance, but the performance of our schools. If elected I will be held accountable for my duties as a Mahwah Board of Education member and I promise to hold our Administration accountable for the education and environment delivered to our students.
3. What are your priorities for the district in the coming year? No Organization can do everything they would like to do, so priorities must be established.
First and foremost I would request to get a handle on our retention of our highly skilled educators. Mahwah has seen an unprecedented turnover rate in the past few years leading to a high percentage of first year educators in the district. In speaking with educators within our district, I believe roughly 17% of all educators are first year Mahwah educators. We will need to address the hiring process as well as what is being done to support our tenure track educators to secure tenure and become a long standing members of our schools. Secondly, we will need to address our contract situation once again. Our teachers have been without a contract more years than not since 2014. We can all remember back to the contract negotiations of last year, where an unprecedented fracture in the relationship between our educators and BOE, which still remains, was very evident. We must bring fiscally responsible alternatives to the table that benefit both sides. We cannot expect our educators to perform at a high level and bring our schools to the next level without reward. It is also imperative that we have the best interest of the Mahwah community in mind. Our schools’ success is ultimately defined by the success of our educators and students, so we must do all that is possible to provide and protect our resources for both.
4. Do you see yourself primarily as a representative of the community or as a representative of the school system?
As a member of the Mahwah Board of Education we are an elected official, elected to represent the community of Mahwah. With that being said, I think it is crucial for our board members to understand that they are a representation of not only our community, but in some aspects a representation of our school system as well. Our board members must keep a fine balance between community and school, but ultimately we come full circle, that what is best for the community is the ultimate goal in the end. Our schools are crucial for our community’s value and future and must be treated as so.
5. Do you feel that the BOE members should work with town elected officials to keep informed regarding any issues facing the community? If so, how do you envision that connection?
Yes, I firmly believe that all local officials should maintain open dialogue on current issues. We as a town are only as strong as the sum of our parts. In uncertain times, as we face today, we must be vigilant, strategic and effective. Communication is crucial to the success of any operation. The input of our local officials can be a valued resource, just as our BOE members’ knowledge can be in return.
6. Are there any town concerns that you feel would adversely affect the Board of Education?
The current threat of high density housing does bring major concern and could potentially have an adverse effect on the Board of Education’s ability to allocate resources for our schools. In listening to David May, at the Meet the Candidates Night, I believe it was stated that a potential for a 40% increase in population can occur due to the mandates for affordable housing. Given this factor, it is prudent to expect some sort of increase in the youth population, in turn, raising the enrollment within the Mahwah Schools. If this concern were to come to fruition, it can put a strain on the ability to provide resources to the current operation of our schools as well as the ability to be on the forefront of innovation and sustainability.
7. How would you ensure that you would meet the needs of all students, regardless of their abilities and backgrounds?
I believe that is a joint effort between board members and administrators. Both entities should be taking the pulse of all issues regarding students within our district. It is essential to know the different populations of students within the schools and their individual needs. Once known, a system of constant checks and balances should be in place to ensure that each need is being met. For example, if the district has an influx of English language learners, it is my role to ensure that the administrators are effectively implementing the laws regarding the ELL requirements set forth by the NJDOE.
8. What makes you knowledgeable about district policies, guidelines, needs, challenges and strengths?
Having a background in business operations and control, which is in most cases driven by policy and procedure, I possess the skills needed to implement and assess policy and guidelines. I have reviewed some of the Mahwah School District’s policies to gain further knowledge. If elected to the Mahwah Board of Education, I will engage our fellow board members, specifically those on the policy committee, to ensure full understanding of all policies. Policy is not only the driving factor in most courses of operations, it is the safeguard and protection of the operation as well. It is imperative that we have a strong implementation of policy. It is also imperative that our policy be executed and managed at an acceptable level by our Administration. Additionally, in terms of needs, challenges and strengths, as in any operation, some form of SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis is needed on a periodic basis. The board will need the assistance of the Administration to communicate and enact change where needed to ensure our policies adapt to cover all needs and weaknesses.
Candidate: Lynda Zaccone
1. What is your own experience with public education?
I was a career educator for 28 years and a former teacher in the Mahwah school district for 18 years. I have taught every grade from 6th through 12th. I taught English, reading, and journalism. I had always been a member of the NEA, NJEA, and BCEA, and, for the 18 years that I taught in Mahwah, the MEA. I am currently a member of the retired educator associations (NJREA, BCREA, MREA). I am also a member of the BCEA professional development committee.
In addition, I am the parent of three grown children (James, Lauren, Alan) who are all products of the Mahwah public school system. While they were in school, I was very involved in the HSOs (Home School Organizations) and served one year as vice president of both the Betsy Ross and Joyce Kilmer HSOs.
I have attended many board of education meetings over the years, and for the past year and a half, I have watched every taping of every board of education meeting that Mrs. Slockbower, a Mahwah parent, has taped and that her husband has posted on You Tube.
2. What core values do you embody with regards to education?
With regards to education, I am passionate about putting children first. The students’ educational and emotional well-being should be the highest priority. Children are our most valuable resource and they should not be short-changed.
We need to maintain high standards of academic achievement and ensure that instruction is of the highest quality. We must also ensure that schools are well-run, that the resources are available for the students, and that change is effected through good policy.
3. What are your priorities for the district in the coming year? No organization can do everything they would like to do, so priorities must be established.
Speaking as a retired Mahwah teacher, I can attest to the quality of education in Mahwah. I would like us to maintain our excellent programs. For a mid-size school system, we offer a great variety of courses and programs. I am proud of Mahwah’s high graduation rate, remarkable college placement, high AP and PARCC scores, and the care and concern we constantly demonstrate for our students’ educational and emotional well-being. Today, more than ever, we also need to be cognizant of the mental health behaviors of our students.
In addition, I would like the school district to maintain reasonable class size at all grade levels and continue to provide professional development for our administrators and teachers. Good, well-trained administrators and teachers increase student achievement.
Furthermore, we are so fortunate to have a respectable, four-year college in Mahwah. I would like to forge new relationships with the college to the benefit of our students. Ramapo College utilizes our police, fire, EMT and emergency services. The relationship should be reciprocal. We currently have the
Ramapo College Reading and Writing program in place in the middle school, but I believe there is so much more we could be doing collaboratively with the college.
4. Do you see yourself primarily as a representative of the community or as a representative of the school system?
I do not see this as an either/or question and answer. I have been a resident of Mahwah for 32 years, so my love for the town is evident. During that time I was involved in many volunteer efforts. Some of my past community service has included the following: membership in Mahwah Newcomers for 14 years and service as president for one year; 15 year membership in Helping Hands for Children (founders of Mahwah Day); EMT and member of Mahwah Ambulance and Rescue Squad Co. #1 for 7 ½ years (1988-1995); and founder (along with Tom Zaccone and Susan Calitri) of the Mahwah Run. Currently, I am a member of the NY/NJ Trail Conference, which, among many other things, maintains the trails of Mahwah’s Ramapo Reservation.
On the other hand, I have been a career educator for almost three decades and a former teacher in Mahwah for 18 years, so naturally I see myself as a representative of the school system, and that is why I would like to serve on the board of education. My three grown children (James, Lauren, and Alan) were also products of the Mahwah public school system and during their time in school, I was a member of the Betsy Ross, Joyce Kilmer, Ramapo Ridge and Mahwah High School Home School Organizations and served one year as vice president of both the Betsy Ross and Joyce Kilmer HSOs.
The school is an integral part of the community, and as a member of the board of education, I would naturally serve as an ambassador of the community.
5. Do you feel that the BOE members should work with town elected officials to keep informed regarding any issues facing the community? If so, how do you envision that connection?
I definitely feel these elected bodies should work together to maintain the excellence of the schools and the community. Because I have attended many board of education meetings, and I have watched all the tapes of the board of education meetings for the last 1 ½ years, I know that Mr. Sbarra, a town council member, attends board of education meetings to keep the board informed of any town-related issues that may also affect the running of the schools. I am not sure if members of the board of education also show their presence at town council meetings.
6. Are there any town concerns that you feel would adversely affect the Board of Education?
I am wondering if you mean “school community” rather than “board of education.” I believe there should never be town issues that adversely affect the school community. There should be open dialogue and collaboration at all times to the benefit of our children and our entire community. For example, I know that in this post 9/11 era that we live in, there are plans in place to make sure that we avoid any situation that would compromise the safety of our schoolchildren. I also know that our town DPW does an excellent job maintaining our road conditions in the winter with the safety of our school children uppermost in their minds.
On another note, we should always be mindful of the threats to public education, such as people or policies that defund public schools.
7. How would you ensure that you would meet the needs of all students, regardless of their abilities and backgrounds?
To ensure that we meet the needs of all students regardless of their abilities and backgrounds, we should always maintain a quality administration, teaching staff, and support staff. Similarly, we should maintain an open dialogue with the teachers, the parents, and the administration. Finally, we should ensure that the board of education adopts and upholds policies that promote equal education opportunities for all students.
8. What makes you knowledgeable about district policies, guidelines, needs, challenges and strengths?
I believe my answer to question number one also answers this question.
I was a career educator for 28 years and a former teacher in the Mahwah school district for 18 years. I have taught every grade from 6th through 12th. I taught English, reading, and journalism. I had always been a member of the NEA, NJEA, and BCEA, and, for the 18 years that I taught in Mahwah, the MEA. I am currently a member of the retired educator associations (NJREA, BCREA, MREA). I am also a member of the BCEA professional development committee.
In addition, I am the parent of three grown children (James, Lauren, Alan) who are all products of the Mahwah public school system. While they were in school, I was very involved in the HSOs (Home School Organizations) and served one year as vice president of both the Betsy Ross and Joyce Kilmer HSOs.
I have attended many board of education meetings over the years, and for the past year and a half, I have watched every taping of every board of education meeting that Mrs. Slockbower, a Mahwah parent, has taped and that her husband has posted on You Tube.
Recently, the Mahwah Education Association (MEA) asked each of the Board of Education candidates to reply to a series of questions for their members.
Here are the answers from Peter DePasquale
Question #1: What are the greatest strengths of our school district?
Answer: In my opinion the greatest strengths of the Mahwah School District are the quality of the teaching and administrative staff. Having children at the high school, the Ridge, and at George Washington, I have been fortunate to meet and interact with a number of teachers at all levels in our school system. I am continually impressed with their qualifications and passion for providing the highest quality level of instruction. I have every confidence that we will all (parents, teachers, staff, and school board) work together to continue to ensure that the highest level of quality professionals are educating our children in Mahwah.
Question #2: If elected, what changes would you seek to make in our school district?
Answer: If elected, I would seek to improve the services of the special education department. Despite wonderful experiences in the preschool disabled program, my wife and I began to experience a number of issues at the K-3 level. In my opinion, there exists a great opportunity for improvement in the follow through of service execution and the communication between the school and parents. My wife, as well as other families that I have spoken with, have experienced significant issues that give me concern that this is not the best the we can do as a district. As the father of two significantly disabled students (residing out of Mahwah) I have had the opportunity to experience being on the receiving end of special needs services from two different New Jersey school districts. I look forward to becoming more involved in improving our services at all levels such that Mahwah is an exemplar district in this regard as well.
Question #3: What are the biggest challenges facing public education?
Answer: While there are serious challenges to public education in keeping up with technology instruction and its infrastructure, as well as the increasing costs to deliver special education services, I feel that there is a more pressing challenge that our district specifically faces. That challenge is to continue to ensure that all children, no matter their background, receive high quality, well-funded instruction, support, and extra-curricular activities in a fair and equitable manner. That is, no single group should be able to tip the scales to benefit their children with no regard for all of the students of Mahwah. It is our responsibility to not only teach what fairness is, but to ensure that it is also executed across the whole of the Mahwah school district.
Question #4: What is your view of high-stakes standardized tests like PARCC?
Answer: In principle, I have no objection to standardized tests as an assessment tool for success. However, I am greatly concerned that it may not be the best use of our resources to have teachers “teach to the test” thereby attempting to ensure we obtain the highest scores possible. In my view, teaching to the test may result in the children not receiving the best possible experience and breadth of curriculum for their respective grades. Furthermore, it greatly hinders our outstanding teaching staff from doing what they have trained for, and do best…teaching our students.
Question #5: What is your view of the teachers and the quality of instruction in Mahwah?
Answer: I believe that the teachers and quality of instruction in Mahwah is among the very best that the State of New Jersey has to offer. My children are extremely fortunate to have had outstanding experiences from pre-K through high school in Mahwah. The quality of the instruction, the caring nature of the teachers, and the level of involvement of the teachers in my children’s lives show my wife and I that the teachers truly care for each of their students. It is obvious to me that not only do the teachers have a strong interest in my children’s academic growth but their personal growth as well.
Question #6: What is your view of teachers’ unions in general and the Mahwah Education Association in particular?
Answer: As a former college professor (Computer Science at The College of New Jersey) I too was a member of a teachers union (AFT). During my 12 year tenure as a professor, I came to appreciate the support and representation that the union afforded me as a faculty member. With that being said, I understand that the MEA and Board of Education may not always see eye-to-eye on every issue, but both parties have the best interests of Mahwah students at heart. Unlike many other candidates, I have had the experience of being a member of a teachers union and can appreciate the union’s positions while keeping in mind that the Board of Education has an obligation to provide for all students of the district as fairly as possible.
Question #7: To what extent should teachers be involved in district decisions and policies that affect instruction?
Answer: Because the teachers are the providers of instruction and the implementers of district policy, I believe that they should have a significant voice when it comes to guiding the district decisions and policy creation as it affects instruction. Consequently, the Board of Education should not only welcome their input and thoughts in these areas, but should be guided by them as well. Of course, there may be external factors which conflict with the guidance of the teachers or make it difficult to implement the policies. In these times, the Board of Education and teaching staff should continue to work together to resolve such challenges.
Question #8: What is the ideal role of a board of education?
Answer: The Board of Education should seek to provide district wide support, enablement and guidance of the school district. It is the job of the Board of Education to represent the citizens and students of the district as it pertains to the delivery of public education. The Board of Education should ensure that all students are treated equally and in line with the goals and standards of the community. The Board of Education has a responsibility to maintain and foster the high level of education that the district demands. Finally, the Board of Education provides a mechanism in which the policies, results, and budget management of the school district can be disseminated, debated, and discussed with the members of the public.
Question #9: What should be the spending priorities of the district?
Answer: In my view, the consistent delivery of the educational curriculum is our highest spending priority. This includes ensuring that our teaching staff remain current in the best practices and changes to our curriculum. This also includes the delivery of our special education services and curriculum to ensure that all students have access to the highest level of instruction that we can provide as a school district. In addition, programs that enhance the academic curriculum are also priorities for our district. Such programs provide a well-rounded experience that foster personal as well as intellectual growth for our students. As a district, it should be our continual goal that every child completes their education in Mahwah as a well-rounded student who is fully prepared to succeed in college and professional life.
Question #10: Prior to last year, MEA members were without a contract for four of the six previous years. The primary issue for the MEA was the combination of rising healthcare contributions and salary stagnation. Do you think the last contract settlement was fair? What can be done to avoid a contentious contract dispute next year?
Answer: From what I understand of the process that took place in the last round of negotiations, I feel that the overall process was indeed fair. My understanding is that after several rounds of a lengthy back-and-forth, and a fact-finding report, an independent third-party mediator provided recommendations for resolving the dispute. While I find it unfortunate that the process took so long for both sides, and that an independent mediator was required to resolve the dispute, from my perspective the final deal appears to be fair to both sides. Regarding avoiding a contentious contract dispute, I feel that it is important for both sides to (1) begin negotiations as early as practical, (2) come to the table at each step of the process with a proposal that moves the discussion forward, and (3) ensure that both sides treat each other with respect and dignity throughout the process.