Page 6 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • October 24, 2012 Saddle River Valley Three candidates are competing for the two available seats on the Saddle River Board of Education this year. Incumbent Rosemarie Arnold and newcomers Jennifer Connolly and Elizabeth Weber will be on the ballot on Nov. 6. Arnold has served on the board for the past six years. She believes the proof of her success as a trustee is the state of the school, which Arnold says is “better than ever.” “During my tenure, I have served as the liaison to the Home and School Association, where, in the spirit of transparency, I often give a report on the agenda of the board,” Arnold said. “I’ve implemented and presently chair the Health and Safety Committee, which, as its name suggests, Incumbent, newcomers seek Saddle River BOE seats is devoted to ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of our students. I also serve on the curriculum, policy, and most notably the hiring committee, which interviewed, tirelessly scrutinized, and eventually hired Margaret Contaldi as the superintendent.” Arnold described herself as highly competent, conscientious, and passionate. She said she is motivated solely by her interest in the children and the town, and has no personal or political agenda. “In this era of drastic budget cuts, I make fiscally responsible decisions, taking into account the competing interests of our property values, the quality of our children’s education, and our desire to keep our taxes low,” Arnold said. “As an attorney, I bring an analytical mind along with honed legal skills to the table at almost every meeting. As a former elementary school teacher, I bring practicality. Changing tenure, bullying, health, and salary laws will make my continued presence on the board even more compelling. I ask you for the honor of continuing to serve.” Connolly, an 11-year resident with three children who attend Wandell School, said education excellence is among her highest personal priorities. “I believe my 13 years of experience as an elementary school teacher and my master’s degree in education can be applied as the board makes the many important decisions before it,” Connolly said. The candidate has been an active member of the school community, serving on the Home & School Association, numerous committees, Wandell Recreation, and preparing for Book Fairs and author visits. With board assistance, she has actively pursued after-school extra help for children, which was added to the recently negotiated teacher contract. “My key priorities include delivering academic excellence while responsibly managing our school budget,” Connolly said. “I feel I have unique experience that can be brought to bear in accomplishing both. “Specifically, we need to review new curriculum, research and implement successful programs from other districts, and review all of our options with respect to the expiring middle school contract. “With respect to the budget, we must be relentless in finding the most efficient ways to provide the best possible education for all students. We need to explore shared services and best practices from other districts.” Connolly said she wants to facilitate greater community and parent involvement with the board and greater transparency in the decision-making process overall. “As a resident of Saddle River and an active parent, I am proud of what we have accomplished in our school community,” she added. “We face, however, multiple challenges in continuing to provide the best possible education for all students. I am excited to contribute as the board addresses each of these, and ask for your support on Election Day.” (continued on page 21) Voters in Upper Saddle River will select their representatives to the local board of education on Nov. 6. This year, four candidates will be seeking the three available three-year terms on the board, while one candidate will be seeking election to the single one-year unexpired term that resulted when Dr. Jill Stoller resigned. Candidates for the three-year seats include incumbents Marc Prisco and Catherine “Katy” O’Connor Smiechowski – whose name will appear on the ballot as Catherine Smiechowski -- and newcomers David Verducci and Karen Fusaro. Maria Bolton, who was sworn in to Dr. Stoller’s unex- USR voters have choice in BOE race pired term in June, is now running for election to that seat. “As the newest member of the board, I am learning about the intricacies it takes to run a school district,” Bolton said. “There are many statewide policies that govern what a board can do so I am honored to play a part in how these policies can be implemented. While many may feel our district is in a good place, we can never cease to keep abreast and improve areas such as technology and curriculum, which are constantly changing. We strive to offer the best quality education that we can while maintaining fiscal responsibility to the community.” Bolton has lived in Upper Saddle River for 12 years with her husband and three children. Her daughters, Emma and Lilly, have already gone through the K-8 public school system, and are now attending college and high school, respectively. Bolton’s son, Jack, is now in eighth grade. “I feel this gives me a broad perspective of the whole educational process,” Bolton said. “Our children need a solid foundation on which to build their educational career. We have to work within state guidelines to creatively implement programs so all students are given every opportunity to succeed. It is also our responsibility to foster the communication between school and community so all are kept informed. As a past vice president on the PTO board, I realize the importance of the ongoing communication process.” Bolton received a BA in communications from Marist College. Prior to staying home to raise her children, she was employed by a national office supply company. She currently works part time for a local pediatrician. She is a parishioner at Saint Gabriel the Archangel Church in Saddle River, where she has taught religious education for 12 years. Fusaro, who has lived in Upper Saddle River for seven years, is a Realtor with Terrie O’Connor Realtors. She said she knows quality school systems bring more families into the community. “I currently have children in both elementary schools, Bogert and Reynolds,” Fusaro said. “I strongly believe that parents should play an active role in their children’s education and be instrumental in fostering a greater sense of community through service. This belief has spurred me to serve on the board at Archer Nursery School in Allendale and to become a PTO member, a class parent, and the parent participant for Reynolds School HIB (Harassment Intimidation and Bullying) Safety Team. Away from the classroom, I am a volunteer with the Women’s Biathlon and Kids’ Triathlon, an assistant coach, and a former member (continued on page 14)