Tina Simitz: 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.

Tina M. Simitz 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, Timothy Ryan, Salvatore Piarulli, Adrienne Barnes, and Susan Groning.

Here is a look at who Simitz 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.

Tina Simitz

Describe yourself:

• Married for 18 years with three children, 5 th grade, 7 th grade (with special needs), and High School junior at Arhur L. Johnson
• Resident of Garwood for nine years
• Elected for my first term via write-in vote in November 2016
• Employed by Allergan Pharmaceuticals, brings 25 year-plus business and marketing experience to the table
• Graduated from Rutgers College magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and history, and PhiBeta Kappa member
• Daughter of two retired educators, I believe that every child can live up to his/her true potential

Why do you feel you are qualified for this position?

Here are Simitz's contributions during her first term:

• GBOE Vice President, 2019
• GBOE Clark Board of Education Liaison, 2019
• Education/Public Relations Committee Chair, 2017-2018
• Integral in initiating the very successful "Kindergarten Tea", now in its third year; Co-developed a school "road map" presentation with Dr. Quigley
• Initiated Middle School orientation for children going into 5th grade
• Championed social media presence to enhance communications within the community; Lincoln School FaceBook page launched in 2019
• Working to support and execute district Strategic Planning, 2018-2019

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

• Advocate for academic excellence for all children, including those with special needs and high performers
• Drive for consistent curriculum and alignment with Carl H. Kumpf Middle School; Advocating for a geometry pull-out and other academic programs so Garwood students entering ALJ, Magnet or other high schools are better prepared
• Partner with administration to strengthen mentoring and professional development for all teachers at Lincoln School
• Support a "Best Practice Model of Governance" for board members to follow in order to create accountability and increased effectiveness
• Balance the needs of the school while considering budgetary impact on our community
• Work on making our community stronger through an efficient and effective school system

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

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