BOE Candidate: Catherine Bumpus

Editor's note: Catherine (Catzel) Bumpus is one of seven candidates vying for three spots on the Bloomfield Board of Education (BOE) in the April 27 election. Bloomfield Patch will be profiling each candidate by alphabetical order every day leading up to the April 20 in the Bloomfield High School auditorium.

Below is Bumpus' biographical information and candidate statement.

CATHERINE (CATZEL) BUMPUS - LINE 6A

FAMILY
Kevin M. Bumpus; Children: two boys, ages 11 and 12 (grades 5 and 7 at Franklin Elementary and Bloomfield Middle School, respectively)

YEARS IN BLOOMFIELD
Resident of Bloomfield since 2001

OCCUPATION
Full-time pastoral associate of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Church of the Presentation in Upper Saddle River. Part-time adjunct faculty at the College of St. Elizabeth

EDUCATION
Marylawn of the Oranges High School (1987), Valedictorian; Franklin and Marshall College, BA, Double Major English/American Studies (1991); Seton Hall University, MA, (Immaculate Conception Seminary) (1997); Certificate in Youth and Young Adult Ministry (1996)

GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS
In-town volunteer activities: Municipal Youth Guidance Council, advisor (1998-2002); Appointed by Mayor as Council Member for two terms (2003, 2006); Youth Coordinator, Secretary, and Vice Chairman; Organized and ran such events as Gang Awareness and Prevention Training, Internet Safety, town-wide youth festivals, teen job fairs at Bloomfield High School, teen coffee houses and poetry jams, movies under the stars, town-wide Baccalaureate services, as well as helped advocate and secure funding for the construction of the Joseph Tiseo Memorial Skate Park; Franklin School Home & School Association, volunteer, (2003-present), class parent (2003-present), special services rep (2006-2008), vice president (2008-2010), special services rep (2010-present); SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) member, Advisory Board Member (2008-present); Parent representation: NJ State Assessment Committee for District Wide Special Education Self Assessment (2008-2009), District Interview Committee for Director of Special Services (2011); Community Volunteer Work: Volunteer catechist, St. Valentine’s Parish Religious Education Program (2003-present), New Energies Committee member, St. Valentine’s (Partnered w/ St. Thomas the Apostle) (2009-present); Other Work Experience: Independent Retreat Leader/Workshop Presenter at Local High schools and Parishes (1991-present), Adjunct Faculty, Mount Saint Dominic Academy (2002-2008), campus minister, teacher, Key Club advisor, member of Academic Council which set Curriculum, made policy decisions, etc., member of Activity Council, which set direction for Extra-Curricular activities, worked as Youth Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish (1995-2002)

STATEMENT
I am running for a seat on the Board of Education because I am an active, concerned parent of two children in our district’s schools. My impression of our school system goes back to when I began working as the Youth Minister at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish. Working with the teenagers there for 7.5 years, I was always impressed with the pride they had in their school, their teachers, classes, as well as with their many extra curricular activities. I would spend hours at their games, Key Club events, concerts, and graduations, knowing that one day my children would encounter many of the same experiences.

Since the placement of our older son in the pre-school class at Oakview, we have been very impressed with our sons’ teachers. I have been involved as a class parent for both of my sons, working with their teachers to create a positive home/school partnership. I have served as a volunteer with the Franklin Home & School Association for many years, and with our SEPAC (Special Needs Parent Advisory Council).

I believe that my 8 years experience as a High school and College level educator will benefit the Board. I hope to use my classroom knowledge and experience to help the BOE make effective decisions on curriculum. It is imperative that we work toward raising test scores, and that we evaluate and better coordinate curriculum oversight so that our teachers have access to the best resources, and so that all of our students can work and have the chance to reach their full potential. I also think we need to address class size, and that we need to make sure that our District’s resources are fairly and adequately distributed and available to all of our schools and students.

After 20 years experience counseling young people, I look forward to working with BOE members, teachers, and parents to find creative and effective ways to reach and educate the “whole child.” It is imperative that our schools not only teach the necessary curriculum, but also help all young people develop socially, emotionally, and physically, while giving them real-life experience in the community whenever possible.

As the parent of two children who have received Special Services, I know that we are making great strides in the area of Special Education. If elected, I will continue to advocate for those who are differently-abled and their families, and continue to work for growth in this area, because I believe that our Special Services truly benefit all of our students.

If elected, I hope to restore a level of integrity and respect on the Board, not only for each other, but for teachers and members of the community. I will work hard to find solutions that place our students and that respect taxpayers. I will help create a BOE that is fiscally wise and responsible, and that encourages diversity of opinion yet thrives on active and focused collaboration. For more information, please see www.bestteam2011.com. Thank you.