Meet The 2019 Parsippany Board Of Education Candidates

PARSIPPANY, NJ — Three seats are open on the Parsippany Board of Education this year, and Patch caught up with the candidates ahead of the general election.

Four candidates are running for three open three-year terms on the board. We asked all candidates the same four questions:

• Why are you running for Board Of Education?
• What is the biggest challenge facing schools in your town, and how will you address it?
• What three words would you use to describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
• What experience in your background has prepared you to be an effective leader?

All candidates were sent the questions at the same time, and were given the same deadline to submit them. They were asked to keep answers to a maximum of 200 words each. Answers were submitted by email and are presented here as submitted.

Kendra Von Achen

Why are you running for Board Of Education?

I believe my purpose in life is to help others. Running for Board of Education is one of the most important things I feel I can do to help the children in my community – to ensure their current and future education is successful, they are set up for a positive future career and life, and the experience they have getting there is safe, secure, and positive.

I’m running to seek change. I have two kids, 11 and 6 years old, and want to ensure their future education is solid and going in the right direction. We have a wonderful school district, with high ranks at every level. But there’s always room for improvement.

I listen to residents around town, in social media forums, as well as by attending Board of Education meetings. I want to work on some of the issues I’m hearing parents are concerned about, that I don’t believe are currently being addressed by the board.

I want to ensure our district is continuously improving in its use of technology and embracing new technologies. With the use of technology, we can also improve the communication between administration/teachers and the community.

What is the biggest challenge facing schools in your town, and how will you address it?

Healthcare costs have gone up exponentially for many years in a row. In conjunction, Chapter 78 (a NJ state law) is requiring teachers (and other school staff) to pay more into their healthcare every year. Because of a state law capping school budget increases to 2% annually, there is a large disparity to pay for the growing healthcare costs. Teachers are walking away with less in their take-home pay every year while the cost of living goes up.

I fear if this trend continues, our district will lose well-educated, hard-working teachers to another district or worse, a different career, because they can’t afford to continue teaching. It is imperative that we find a mutually beneficial solution to this ever-growing problem. I have a plan to reduce the cost of healthcare premiums to both the teachers/staff and the district. It’s a two-pronged approach that requires offering more choices in healthcare plans to the staff; and re-educating staff on how their usage of the plan affects the cost of the plan.

What three words would you use to describe yourself to someone who has never met you?

Hard-working, compassionate, reliable

What experience in your background has prepared you to be an effective leader?

First and foremost, I’m a mom, and leader of organizing my family on a daily basis. I work in conjunction with my husband to ensure we raise strong, confident, and respectful kids. Every few months, the schedule changes with different after-school activities, clubs, personal meetings, etc, and we plan, adjust, and execute on it.

Personally, I’m leading myself to be a better person every day, in small and large ways alike. I try to change habits for the better, relinquish myself from things that don’t matter, and strive to do good for my community.

I have served on several boards, both professional and non-profit over the years. I’ve served as President of the Business Marketing Association, NJ Chapter for 2 years after taking other leadership positions within the organization. I’ve served as a Board of Trustees for Child and Family Resources, NJ for the past 8 years, including serving as Treasurer for the past 2 years. Lastly, I recently joined the Board of Trustees for my Temple.

Alison Cogan

Why are you running for Board Of Education?

As a current BOE member, I am running to continue the work of maintaining and improving our school district and ensure a positive educational experience for all students. Parsippany-Troy Hills schools are already providing an excellent education to our students, but there is always something that can be improved. I strongly believe in public education, and have 5 children that are currently attending or have attended Parsippany schools.

What is the biggest challenge facing schools in your town, and how will you address it?

The biggest challenge is how to prioritize funding for all of the important aspects of a great school district. The funding needs to support academics, non-academic activities and services, a caring and knowledgeable staff, safe and secure facilities, and transportation. All of this, and more, needs to be provided with limited funds. I will continue to work with my fellow board members to create policies and goals that reflect the community members’ desires, meet or exceed all governmental regulations, and allow all students to achieve success.

What three words would you use to describe yourself to someone who has never met you?

Thoughtful busy mom.

What experience in your background has prepared you to be an effective leader?

I have run my own daycare center, and I am currently a partner in a tax planning business. My husband and I also have 5 teenagers. Conflict resolution, listening to differing views, mediation, making decisions and providing clear directions are daily activities in my life.

Andrew Choffo

Why are you running for Board Of Education?

It has been my privilege and honor to serve on the BOE for 12 years. The school district has made tremendous progress during that time in student achievement, district operations, technology and the security of our children. I believe that I have the necessary experience to continue to improve and enhance the Parsippany-Troy Hills School District for the benefit of all who live and attend school here.

What is the biggest challenge facing schools in your town, and how will you address it?

The safety of our children should be the primary concern for all Board Members. I am proud that during my service to the school district we have been able to enhance school security and student safety in a number of ways. We have expanded our shared services agreement with the Township to provide additional resources in the schools; increased security training; and “hardened” our buildings.

What three words would you use to describe yourself to someone who has never met you?

Humble. Trustworthy. Practical.

What experience in your background has prepared you to be an effective leader?

A Board of Education is a complex organization. There are many moving parts. A Board Member needs to be concerned with student safety and achievement; establishing a sustainable financial plan; ensuring appropriate policies; and monitoring results. As Vice President in a large corporation, I encounter similar challenges in my company and must make decisions that create a positive impact. I believe that my 25 years of corporate experience, in conjunction with my 12 years of Parsippany BOE experience, allow me to be an effective leader on the Board and make decisions that will positively impact our children.

Robert Quinn

Why are you running for Board Of Education?

I am running because I want to give back to my community and bring a new, younger perspective to the Board.

What is the biggest challenge facing schools in your town, and how will you address it?

Over the next several years, many new apartment projects are going to be popping up all over town. We are going to need to properly assess how this influx of new residents are going to impact each school. If elected, I will work with the township and the current administration, and ensure that our schools receive a proper share of any funds made through PILOT deals to developers.

What three words would you use to describe yourself to someone who has never met you?

Kind. Caring. Organized.

What experience in your background has prepared you to be an effective leader?

Growing up, my parents were always involved in the schools and the community, and this dedication to helping others rubbed off on me. As a student myself, I know the struggles our children face.