BOE Candidate: Joann Castro

Editor's note: Joann Castro 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 Castro’s biographical information and candidate statement.

JOANN CASTRO - LINE 1A

FAMILY
Three children: two daughters, a 12-year-old in seventh grade at Bloomfield Middle School and a 3-year-old; one son, an 11-year-old in fifth grade at Fairview Elementary

YEARS IN BLOOMFIELD
I've been in Bloomfield for 7 years.

OCCUPATION
I am owner of a real estate office here in Bloomfield and am an Avon Representative with over 500 representatives that I train and mentor.

GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS

I currently am a member of Bloomfield Cultural Commission and a member of the Bloomfield Open Space Trust Fund Committee.

STATEMENT
As a working mother with three children, two of whom attend Bloomfield Schools and one who soon will, my priority is and has always been the well-being of my children. I feel that I have the commitment and experience to be able to make a difference for all the children of Bloomfield as a member of the Board of Education, and for this reason I ask for your vote on April 27th.

Education is extremely important to me. I personally have overcome many adversities in my life in order to reach my educational goals, earning a Master’s Degree. I am running to help make sure that all students have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. While I have seen great progress within the Bloomfield Schools, I feel that we still have a long way to go. I would like to see more funding be utilized in classrooms, and not on administrative costs, making sure that students are the ones that benefit. I would also like to work to incorporate more technology into schools in order to enhance our student’s education, seeking grants and other alternative revenue sources to help fund it.

My biggest concern at this time is the education budget cuts from Trenton. I would like to ensure that despite these cuts, we as a Board (if elected), will be able to provide the best for Bloomfield Students. It is important to ensure that funding is spent wisely and that we can utilize funding more in the classrooms. 

I own a real estate business in town, and am well aware of the financial difficulties that Bloomfield residents are facing. Therefore, I am pleased with the success of the current Board of Education members in introducing a budget this year with a 0 percent increase while still providing smaller class sizes and keeping teachers in the classroom.  This type of progress is something that I would like to help continue.

As I stated earlier, I am an advocate for my children. I’m dedicated to providing the best for them, and those that know me, know that I am their biggest cheerleader, supporting all of their endeavors.  I would like to have the opportunity to ensure that all of Bloomfield’s children have the tools and support they need to reach their goals. Our Township is a diverse community and I feel that my leadership of the Hispanic Heritage festival is a good example of the kind of inclusive and culturally enriching environment that I can help encourage.

As a member of the Board of Education, I will use my passion, my education and my professional experience to do the very best for all of our children. Let my voice be the voice for your children as well.