Election 2020: Kinnelon School Board Candidate Jean Donaldson

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: Jean T. Donaldson
• Campaign Contact: n/a
• Previous elective office: n/a
• Education: BA, graduate work in Public Affairs and Public Policy
• Occupation: Retired Military Officer: CDR(ret), USCG
• Fun Fact: Spent a year back packing around the world
• What inspires you: I am inspired by the American experiment that holds freedom sacrosanct. It is what enables communities to come together to overcome obstacles and own how they want to live. Americans care about their schools, their communities, their states and their country. It is why we have been so successful as a nation. I am very proud to be American.

All candidates were asked these questions:

1. Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?
2. The single most pressing issue facing our school district and what you intend to do about it:
3. That 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.
4. What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective on the school board?
5. 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?
6. 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?

Here was the response:

"When I was serving as US Coast Guard Officer, I responded to many emergencies at all levels;
local, state and federal. I have a lot of operational experience as a maritime law enforcement
officer and as a helicopter pilot. I also served in Public and Government affairs roles dealing
with the media and elected officials during national and regional emergencies. Therefore, I
have a lot of experience working with diverse groups within the public policy domain. I offer
this experience and the skills I have developed to continue the Kinnelon School District’s
tradition of excellence. I am the mother of 5 children, 4 of whom are enrolled in the district
with one away at College. I think my background will be very helpful as we are currently in a
state of emergency and hard decisions will need to be made to recover safely and return to
normal. My experience will be of importance during this period when the Board of Education
will be dealing with these decisions.

The single most pressing issue in the Kinnelon School district is recovering from the impact of
the COVID-19 restrictions. The affect on education and child development is not debatable. It
is a proven fact it has been disastrous for an overwhelming majority of children and unhealthy
for all kids. I have learned that data driven, fact- based decisions considered with compassion
and respect for differing perspectives affords the greatest transparency to the community so
they know we are doing the best for them. For example, implement the Governor’s guidance
with metric based decision points on when kids could return to in-person school that is publicly
shared with the community. The other long-term concern for Kinnelon is the loss of faith in the
community regarding the school districts tradition of excellence. There is a perception that the
district has declined. The board of Ed has an obligation to create the environment that attracts
and retains the best and the brightest educators and administrators so students remain in
district. I want to help create that environment.
That 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.

Budget discussions are always difficult because difficult choices have to be made. According to
the 2019-2020 budget we had a $42M operating expense with $42M in revenue. It can be
expected that fund will be insufficient due to COVID. I would start with the 20/21 financial
statement and look for non-recurrent expenses: for example, legal fees and court settlement
pay outs to determine cause and continuation. I would reevaluate existing contracts for costs
savings such as: transportation, medical support, food services to name a few. Kinnelon is
fortunate to have a wealth of knowledge and experience within the community. I would leverage the offers of CPA/financial assistance from community members to help uncover savings. I would spend the effort to expose unnecessary expenses or those made in error to retain extracurricular activities.

Again, the Board of Education’s obligation is to create anenvironment that attracts talent. Excellent academics with excellent extracurricular activities need to remain the focus.

I believe in the foundation of the American experiment which was individual freedom and
liberty. I believe in freedom of choice. I do not support mandating vaccines. For those that are
at risk, they have a choice to get a vaccine. For those that are not, they should retain the choice
not to have one."

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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