Clark Board Of Education Profile: Megan Harrison

CLARK, NJ — Clark School Board has three seats up for grab in the upcoming election on Nov. 3.

Megan Harrison, Robert Brede, and Steven Donkersloot are running for the three, three-year seats on the board.

Are you running for office in Clark-Garwood? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Clark-Garwood Patch.

Megan Harrison

1. Why are running for Board of Education?

I believe in the power of a good education. As a mother of two young children, I want to be involved in the continued efforts to improve our district. I hope to bring my skill set and experience to the table where I can be part of a team that gives every student in Clark the opportunity to receive a great education.

2. What are your qualifications for this position?

The 2020-21 school year marks my 8th year as a school counselor. Throughout my career, I have had the pleasure of working with public school students from kindergarten through 12th grade. I started my career as an elementary school counselor and now work in a middle high school. During my tenure in my current position, I’ve helped create and implement our peer advisory program, a character education program that addresses and focuses on social skills that students will use in and out of the school building. As a school counselor, I am always looking for professional development opportunities to gain knowledge and skills to help my students. I believe my education and experience will be an asset to the district. I have always had a student focused approach and hope to bring that energy to the Clark BOE.

3. The single most pressing issue facing our school district is ____ and this is what I intend to do about it:

I think one of the most pressing issues for Clark Public Schools, along with many other districts, is mental and emotional health. The whole student approach places importance on academic growth, as well as, student's social emotional needs. Assuring that a student is not just getting a high-quality education but also working on their own mental health, helps students develop into successful young adults. One of my first priorities would be to speak with the Clark Support Service professionals. I would want to get to know the programs that they run at all levels, what they hope to implement, and see how I can help make those programs happen.

4. What are other issues you would like to see addressed in the school district?

I think right now, the issue that is on everyone’s mind is keeping our students healthy and working on addressing the gaps students might be experiencing after distance learning in the spring and our current abbreviated schedule. I would be honored to work with Mr. Grande, the board, administration, and Clark’s talented teachers and staff members to address supporting our students in such unprecedented times.