Election 2020: Jefferson School Board Candidate Stacey Poulas

NEW JERSEY - In a few short weeks what is expected to be one of the most charged elections in modern history is set to take place and Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before the Nov. 3 election.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the county clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the general election. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact Russ.Crespolini@patch.com. What you see below are their answers with mild style edits.

• Name: Stacey Poulas
• Previous elective office, if any: (n/a if you don't have one) Serving the Jefferson BOE since 2011
• Education: BA from Montclair State University
• Occupation: Kindergarten Teacher
• Fun Fact: Elin Hilderbrand is my favorite author (even met her on my birthday years ago at a book signing) and without fail, every book I read by her, I wish I was one of her characters!
• What inspires you: “Live a good life and in the end, it’s not the years in the life, it’s the life in the years.” – Abraham Lincoln

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

Jefferson needs to keep moving forward - to achieve educational excellence while being financially conservative. We need to learn from our past and stay focused on our future. The needs of our students are constantly changing, and we, as a district and community, need to support our students – continuing to implement best practices for college and career readiness and academic success.

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

The single most pressing issue facing our school district is the reduction in state aid (Covid-19 is a pressing issue and that is addressed in question below). The timing of the reduction also put our district in a very difficult position. Our district was given a state aid figure and a preliminary budget was created. Unfortunately, our district then lost more funding. The Administration along with the Building, Needs and Finance Committee worked tirelessly to create a budget to present to the community that maintained as many student programs as possible. As a Board of Education, it is extremely important we uphold our responsibility to the community to stay informed of changes in our district and always be thinking outside the box. Recent examples include restructuring the District Supervisors responsibilities instead of replacing a District Supervisor and closely examining all salaries of new hires. We need to pay attention to surrounding districts for ideas and not be afraid to take risks. Being transparent with the community when we face hardships is important. Last Spring, when we learned of the reduction in state aid, the community came together for a letter writing campaign. We are very fortunate to work closely with the elementary PTAs and the Jefferson Township Education Foundation. Although our town has faced some difficult times, it is imperative that we keep “Jefferson Strong” and do what is right for our students.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve on the school board? If unopposed, describe the issues that define your campaign platform.

I have been serving on the Jefferson Board of Education for nine years. During my time on the JTBOE, I have served on the following committees: Education; Policy and Personnel; Building, Needs and Finance; and Community Relations. I am currently the Vice President of the Board of Education, a co-liason to the JTEF and serve on two committees (Education and Policy & Personnel). I pride myself on being an educated Board Member – meaning that I attend meetings, spend time researching current issues and listen to the community. I am able to think about issues we face as a parent, tax payer, board member and teacher. It is important to note that although I cannot participate in negotiations since I am in the NJEA, I am able to support teachers by relating to real issues teachers in NJ face today, hear concerns of teachers and bring them to the attention of the full board.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective on the school board?

Since I began serving on the Jefferson Township Board of Education in 2011, Jefferson has maintained the 2% cap for the last nine years. Even while staying within the cap, we have implemented new curricula and improved facilities. Additionally, while serving on the JTBOE improvements have been made to our facilities (Turf Field, Auditorium, Referendum passed), implemented Full Day Kindergarten, new curricula implemented - ELA, Math & NGSS, opened two academies at JTHS and participated in hiring Chief School Administrators.

Recovering from COVID-19 is going to put a significant financial strain on the schools. With so much of our tax dollars going to support them. But cuts will still be needed. Where do you see room for budget improvement? What things will you go to the mat to defend?

Covid-19 has created many strains on districts and communities; it reaches beyond financial strains. We must strive to have our students return to school safely. Districts have had to make decisions – with information constantly changing and stay within the set executive order guidelines. Covid-19 is impacting academics, social – emotional learning, staffing and finances. Financially, districts have spent money that was not allotted in their budgets for this pandemic. Our district has received CARES funding. The funds must be used to address health and safety measures necessary to support reopening for in-person instruction and to support students during periods of remote learning. It is imperative that our students continue to receive a quality education and are allowed opportunities to participate in clubs and athletics. We must not allow, nor accept, our students to be a casualty of the lack of funding. It is our responsibility to provide our students with the best education possible and prepare them for their next phase.

The COVID-19 pandemic has put into focus the issue of mandatory vaccinations. If such a movement gains traction, where do you stand on the issue for your community?

When a policy is recommended for approval, the Policy and Personnel Committee reviews the policy in committee and then it goes to the full Board for approval and adoption. In the case of vaccines, each state decides which vaccines are required for enrollment. In our case, the New Jersey Department of Health mandates the vaccines. Public schools in New Jersey are required to maintain a summary record of student immunizations. Therefore, in this case, the policy will be mandated by the State and not up to the BOE.

Since the change to this year's election was announced by Murphy, there have been many questions about how the process will work. Below is some further reading on the Nov. 3 election process:

• Here's How NJ's Mail-In General Election Will Work: What To Know

A primarily vote-by-mail election means a lot of changes to election day. See what you can expect this November.

• What's A NJ Provisional Ballot? How Does It Work? Patch Found Out

Those not needing an ADA compliant booth will need a provisional ballot to vote in-person. Here is what that will look like.

• Do Mail-In Ballots Force NJ Voters To Lie? Here's The Answer

There was language on the primary ballots asked voters certify they requested the ballot, even if they didn't.

• How Are Election Signatures Verified In NJ? Patch Found Out

Voters wondering how their signatures are checked before the upcoming election can see the process for themselves.

• How To Register, Track Your General Election Vote Online In NJ

Need to register for the upcoming election? Want to track your vote once you do? Read on to learn how.

• Key 2020 Voting Deadlines In New Jersey

Here is a recap of important dates to remember with upcoming election, all in one place.

• NJ: Get A Wrong Or Duplicate Ballot? It Is Probably Your Fault

Confusion and concern has reigned as ballots arrive, here Patch got some answers from a county clerk.

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