Timothy Ryan: 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.

Timothy Ryan 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, Adrienne Barnes, and Susan Groning.

Here is a look at who Ryan 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.

Tim Ryan

Describe yourself:

I was born and raised in Westfield, and moved my young family to Garwood in 2006. I am 39 years old, and have been a high school teacher and administrator for the past 13 years, currently working as the Social Studies Department chairman at Immaculate Conception High School in Montclair. I did my Master's degree in Education coursework at Saint Peter's University.

Why are you running for school board?

I am running for the Garwood Board of Ed because I want to take a more active role in the decisions that affect the students and teachers of Garwood. School board members play an important part in setting goals for our district, and and I'd love an opportunity to participate in that process.

Why do you feel you are qualified for this position?

With 13 years of experience as a high school teacher and administrator, I am very aware of the challenges faced by our faculty and staff here in Garwood. I also am deeply invested in seeing our school effectively educate the students of Garwood, including my own four children. My professional experiences and my family's connection to our school will allow me to fairly represent multiple stakeholders in our community.

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

One issue which I think is most critical is student achievement and preparation for secondary schools. I want to work with the Clark and Garwood communities to make sure that the students who come through our schools are ready to succeed and thrive in high school and beyond. A key factor in this work must be the recruitment and retention of great teachers, at all levels of our district.

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

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