Adrienne Barnes: Garwood Board Of Education Candidate Profile

GARWOOD, NJ — There is a contested race for the Garwood Board of Education election this upcoming November election with six candidates vying for the three open seats.

Adrienne Barnes is one of six candidates running for the three, three-year seats in the election being held on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The other five candidates include: Mary Ann Kjetsaa, Tina M. Simitz, Salvatore Piarulli, Timothy Ryan, and Susan Groning.

Here is a look at who Barnes is and why he is running. Candidates were asked to answer the same questions and each candidate profile will be posted on Patch's site as it gets closer to the election.

Adrienne Barnes

"As a Garwood resident for seven years with two children enrolled in the district, I would like to serve my local community as a Board of Education member. Since my children attend Lincoln School, I am aware of its current progression as well as the challenges faced by the district. I would like to be a voice for all community members and support actions that ensure all stakeholders’ needs are met while a well-rounded, high quality educational experience is provided to all children.

I am a proud educator in the New Jersey Public School System and will begin my 16th year as a science teacher this September. With a Bachelor of Science degree from Rutgers University and a Master of Arts degree in Instruction and Curriculum from Kean University, I can offer a fresh perspective on teaching and learning in science, math, and English language arts. I also worked with the Merck Institute for Science Education for nearly a decade. During this time, I designed and facilitated numerous professional development programs for teachers of grades K-12. This experience will lend itself to recognizing and selecting valuable professional development opportunities for our teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals.

If elected, I will work to improve the excellence of the education offered at our school through evidence based instructional programs that address the needs of all students, allow them to develop a love of learning, and help them achieve their highest potential as individuals. I believe there is a need for increased transparency within our district. I will do everything I can to address this issue. The community should have a clear understanding of how our tax dollars are utilized to provide a high quality education in all aspects. This includes the hiring and retention of highly qualified teachers and administrators, the selection and implementation of sound curricular resources, access to and participation in meaningful professional development, and the continued expansion of relevant extra-curricular activities for students.

I would be grateful to be given the opportunity to serve our community as a member of the Garwood Board of Education. If you cast a vote for me on Nov. 5, you can rest assured that I will make every effort to maintain the delicate balance between the fiscal responsibility to our taxpayers and the provision of a superior education that serves the long term interests of our children and community."

— (If you are a candidate and would like to participate in the election profile, email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com)

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