In a world marred by divisive rhetoric and partisan bickering, the last place we should see political fragmentation is among our local boards of education. Right now, society is polarized, and every day we witness the destructive impact of such division. Yet, in the midst of this chaos, our schools stand as a rare sanctuary of unity — a place where the only agenda should be the well-being and advancement of our students.
I’m not tied to any political party, but the shadow of national politics has begun to loom over our local board meetings and school leadership. With the presidential election in full swing, the temptation to let the discord between the leading candidates infiltrate our work is high. But here’s the thing: The reason New Jersey school board members aren’t listed with party affiliations on the ballot is to prevent this exact scenario. Our focus should be on what truly matters — our students —and not on the partisan quarrels that dominate the national stage.
We must remember that the outcomes of national elections should never dictate how we operate at the local level. Our mission is clear: to elevate public education and ensure every student thrives through effective, unbiased governance. Political outcomes, whether they align with our personal preferences or not, should not influence our commitment to this mission.
As the election draws near and the political temperature rises, I urge each one of you to stand firm. No matter which side wins or loses, our duty to collaborate respectfully and prioritize the educational needs of our community remains unchanged. Let’s refuse to let political winds steer us off course. Our work must center on creating a safe, nurturing environment where today’s students are prepared to become tomorrow’s leaders.
When the votes are counted and the national drama fades into the background, let us redouble our focus on what truly matters. Let’s work with unwavering dedication to govern our schools effectively, protect our students and staff, and remain steadfast in our commitment to the future. Our students are the common ground; let’s keep them at the heart of our efforts and rise above the fray of partisan politics.
