Lorraine Aklonis: Clark Board Of Education Candidate Profile

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

Lorraine J. Aklonis is one of four candidates running for the three, three-year seats in the election being held on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Aklonis along with Thomas Lewis and Henry R. Varriano are all running under the campaign slogan "Knowledge/Experience/Integrity."

Natalie Bassinski is running under the campaign slogan of "Putting Children First."

Here is a look at who Aklonis is and why she 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.

Lorraine J. Aklonis

Describe yourself:

Aklonis has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary Social Studies Education including studying in Europe. She has a Masters Degree in Educational Administration and 30 credits beyond Masters in Educational Administration for advanced certificates. She also has a Post Graduate Studies at Oxford University in England.

Aklonis holds several certificates as an elementary teacher, secondary social studies teacher, principal and supervisor, chief school administrator (superintendent), and school business administrator.

She has previously worked in the Elizabeth School District as an Elementary / Secondary teacher, Title 1 consultant, teacher of Adult Education, Basic Skills Coordinator/Administrator (Public & Non Public Schools), and Title 1 Parent Coordinator.

She also worked in the Rahway School District as Director of Educational Services, Supervisor of PreKindergarten through Grade 12 in subject areas such as: Pre School, Bilingual & ESL, Basic Skills, Gifted & Talented, Social Studies, World Languages, English Language Arts, Fine and Preforming Arts, and more.

Why are you running for school board?

"Being on the board seems like a natural extension of my career. I’m retired and can devote time and effort to Board responsibilities. I can offer to the board opinions based upon my practical and hands on experience."

Why do you feel you are qualified for this position?

"I have more than 37 years in education with teaching and central office experience including supervision and evaluation of teachers, curriculum work, textbook and program selection, and overseeing grant finances."

Her experience includes overseeing numerous subject areas as mentioned above. Presently, she continues to serve on and participate in NJ Department of Education Committees (Early Childhood & Title 1 Committee of Practitioners).

She also keeps current with educational trends with information provided through professional organizations.

What are some issues you would like to address if elected?

"The primary job responsibility of the board, is to ensure that all board policies and regulations are properly followed and enforced. Each board member has one voice and one vote, however all voices can be equally heard and varied opinions are respected. With that being said, my personal concerns and continued focus will be on:

• Equal attention to academics, technology, athletics, fine and performing arts, security and facilities
• Be fiscally responsible to our residents as tax payers
• Attend to the academic, social and emotional needs needs of all students
• Keep open communication with parents and community
• Continued review of the cycle of curriculum, program, and technology updates
• Hire the most qualified staff, as recommended by the Superintendent, and provide appropriate professional development and support
• Offer students an education competitive with other districts"

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

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