Election 2022: Stafford Twp. School Board Candidate Karin Kleban-Allen

STAFFORD, NJ — Next month, Stafford voters will head to the polls to elect local and state officials. Patch has reached out to candidates to answer profiles on their campaigns. Here is a profile from a Stafford Township Board of Education candidate.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the Nov. 8 general election. These responses will be published edited only for style. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact veronica.flesher@patch.com.

Name: Karin Kleban-Allen

Age: 58

Education:
 B.S. Finance, St. John’s University
 Post-Baccalaureate: Speech Pathology & Audiology, Richard Stockton University
 M.S. Communication Disorders, California State University

Occupation: Speech Language Pathologist

Family: My family and I have lived in Cedar Run for the past 28 years along with our dog and our foster kittens

Previous Public office experience: No previous Political Offices Held

Why are you running for this position?
 I’ve seen an increased disconnect between the school and families. When families and the school are in sync, it benefits everyone.

What separates you from the other candidates?
 I’ve worked in both the public and the private sector
 I have over 12 years of experience working in the school system
 Independent thinker

What do you think is the most pressing issue in the school district and how do you intend to address it?
 The focus needs to be on getting “back to basics” and bridging the disconnect.

What is your stance on the sexual education curriculum that Gov. Murphy put forth earlier this year?
 The sexual education curriculum should be “opt in”, families should have the choice of what their children are taught and not be automatically enrolled in these courses.

What other issues do you feel must be tackled in your school district that have not been discussed already and how would you tackle these?
 Parental, caregiver and community involvement is essential and increases the success of our students.
Schools are for the benefit of the children, and this must be the focus.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know?
 I’ve lived in Stafford Township for over 25 years
 My family volunteers with the Friends of Southern Ocean County Animal Shelter (F.O.S.O.C.A.S)
 I support local businesses
 I lead my life with honestly and integrity.
 The reason I am running for this position to give back to the community I have grown to love.