Election 2020: Kinnelon School Board Candidate Concetta Vecchione

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: Concetta Jenny Vecchione
• Campaign Contact: n/a
• Previous elective office: n/a
• Education: Rutgers University
• Occupation: Student and Copywriter/Tutor
• Fun Fact: I speak 5 languages!
• What inspires you: I am inspired by my friends, family and the people in this country who speak up for what they believe in and seek to enact change.

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

I believe that the current and future students are the future of the district, state, and country. That's why it is crucial to make sure that they receive the best quality education. As a former student, aspects of the Kinnelon School District we should work on include: inclusivity for students with disabilities, updated technology, school materials, increased mental health resources, mindfulness of budget, etc. As a community, I also recognize that communication between every facet of the district: the parents, students, teachers, residents, etc. that help this community thrive. The board of education needs to improve the transparency of how they utilize the town's high taxes and collaborate with the parents to use those taxes in the most efficient manner possible to help our school district. I am seeking to strengthen the quality of education in the district and the communication between the schools and the residents. Through reliable communication and collaboration, and advocating for meaningful change, I believe we can make this town even greater than it already is.

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

Currently, our school district is facing an uphill battle with the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the students, parents, and teachers are trying to adjust to online learning. It is no secret that the children will benefit more from an entirely in-person education. I believe that we should do everything in our power to get the students back to in-person learning. However, we have to carefully follow the guidelines put forth by the state of new jersey, to slowly phase the student body back into school to avoid a second outbreak that will cause the school district to turn to entirely virtual learning. With the current model of hybrid/virtual learning, it is essential to improve our existing resources and bridge the technology gap for students who are struggling with online learning. I intend to collaborate closely with and consult parents, teachers, administrators, health professionals, and the executive orders outlined by Governor Murphy to return the students to the optimal educational arrangement.

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.

As a candidate, I bring a new perspective and inside knowledge of the school district, and an open-minded approach to communication and collaboration, and a staunch commitment to inclusivity. As a former student of the Kinnelon School District, I understand the recent policy changes and the school's current atmosphere and how students are affected. I also always approach every discussion with my beliefs and a willingness to listen to others' perspectives. I believe that this willingness to hear others out allows me to collaborate smoothly with other board members and the parents of the community. Their views on issues also need to be taken into consideration. Also, as someone who has a brother with special needs, I spent my whole life advocating for students' inclusivity with and without special needs. Therefore I am committed to enacting this change in our school district and making the school districts a better place for children with diverse sets of abilities in the community.

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

Some of my most significant assets as a candidate include my involvement with the school district and my experience with school administrations and children. I am a former student in the Kinnelon School District. Therefore, I have over 12 years of experience living through the school district's operations, the day-to-day life of the students, and the effects of the previous board of education decisions. This experience provides me with a unique insight into the best way to improve the schools and how the board of education decisions will affect the student population. I also have worked with elementary school-aged children in the district during my time as a safety town counselor and as a volunteer teaching assistant at Kiel School. In terms of technical skills, I am a member of the Scarlet Honor Council, an organization at Rutgers that adjudicates on matters concerning the Code of Conduct and Academic Integrity Policies. This position requires extensive training, collaboration with staff and faculty, and extensive knowledge of how school systems operate. I have a very diverse set of skills and experience that afford me an eclectic and open-minded approach to collaborating with the board of education members and overseeing the best changes we can make to our school district.

Recovering from COVID-19 is going to put a sigficant finanical 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?

Budget cuts are never straightforward undertakings, that is why, especially during the complicated budget concerns the district is dealing with, we need more transparency now than ever. We need to examine carefully where we are spending the budget and how these expenditures improve the school district as the community. Furthermore, we need to investigate the one-time budget costs such as lawsuits and other legal matters, why they are happening, and how to avoid incurring future costs. I also believe that the community should have the ability to be more involved with approving the budget; everyone in the community should have full knowledge of how and where the money and the resources are being used for our schools.

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?

While COVID-19 is an unprecedented illness that has emerged in our society, the legislation regarding the COVID vaccine should not differ drastically from the current legislation we have regarding vaccines. Furthermore, at this time, it is clear that more research needs to be done concerning the efficacy of a COVID vaccine. We should currently put our efforts towards keeping the residents of this community safe and giving the best quality education to our students.

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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