Garwood Board Of Education Profile: Christine Guerriero
GARWOOD, NJ — Garwood School Board has three seats up for grab in the upcoming election on Nov. 3.
Christine Guerriero and Albert Del Conte are both vying for one of the three, three-year seats available, leaving one seat open.
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Christine Guerriero
1. Why are running for Board of Education?
As a third-generation BOE member I have a strong belief in the value of a quality education and in the importance of community service. I received my start in life in the Garwood Public Schools and I learned valuable academic and life lessons in the system. I have served on the Board for 18 years. With most members in their first term on the Board I provide a wealth of knowledge and perspective to the newer members.
2. What are your qualifications for this position?
Many years ago a man in town asked me why I was running for the Board since I had no children in the district. I told him that it was true; I wasn't running for one child, but I was running for 400 children. He hadn't considered that someone without children would have an interest in how the schools were run. I come to the board table without a bias because I don't know the staff as classroom teachers; I leave their performance to the administration. As a school nurse by profession, I know policy as it relates to the health and safety of the district. Over the years I have been President and Vice President. A member of a number of committed and have represented Garwood on the Clark BOE, Union County School Boards Association and the NJSBA Delegate Assembly. am knowledgeable, passionate and devoted and I have taken the time to attend many workshops to learn my responsibilities and to hone my skills. I have the time and commitment to devote to the education and welfare of the students of Garwood.
3. The single most pressing issue facing our school district is ____ and this is what I intend to do about it:
Currently, the most pressing issue is the effects of the pandemic and the new manner of teaching and learning on student academic success. As one person on the Board I have no power to make changes or demand outcomes. Together with my fellow board members we will work with the superintendent to provide the best learning opportunities under the circumstances.
4. What are other issues you would like to see addressed in the school district?
The issue which closely follows the academic challenges of Covid-19 is the budgetary challenge. Due to the pandemic and loss of State revenues, Garwood, like most districts, is losing money which was originally part of the budget passed in early May. Our budgets have been fiscally responsible ones, but now we need to take an even closer look at what we are doing with what is remaining.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve the children of Garwood. I look forward to your support in continuing in that service.
This article originally appeared on the Clark-Garwood Patch
