Take Five: Cranford School Board Candidate Veronica Doyle

CRANFORD, NJ — There are seats opening up on the Cranford Board of Education and Patch caught up with the candidates ahead of the general election this November.

Questionnaires were sent out out to all candidates registered with the County Clerk's Office in the 2019 general election using the email addresses they went on file with. The responses will be posted on the site by those who submitted in the order in which they were received. They will also be included in an election preview wrap.

This Take Five features Veronica Doyle. Her responses to the questions are below and unedited.

1. Why are you running for BOE?

I learned at an early age the importance of a solid education. I went to NJ City University and earned a Bachelors’ degree in English with a teaching certification for secondary education. I was an English and Basic Skills teacher at the high school level. I transitioned into the corporate world where I began my human resource career over 19 years ago. I am now Director of Administration / HR for a company, located in Mountainside, NJ.

During the past few years, I have had an interest to return to the world of education. I knew I needed to find the right time for my family and myself. I believe based on my corporate experience and educational background, serving on the Board of Education would be a perfect fit to assist our children and our community.

I am very passionate and dedicated to my family, therefore to their education. I feel there are inequalities in our schools with the level of education and quality of education our children have and are receiving. I would welcome the opportunity to work towards a resolution alongside current and future Board members to rectify these inequalities. Working together to ensure we are providing equal quality education to our children, regardless of their classification or where they live in Cranford.

2. What is the biggest challenge facing schools in your town, and how will you address it?

One of our greatest challenges is ensuring all children are receiving the high-quality education that Cranford is so proud of providing. There are too many families that struggle with their respective Child Study teams for the proper resources and teaching techniques a child desperately needs to succeed. Sometimes the same teams dedicate too many resources to a child, not allowing them to thrive and learn from their mistakes. I often worry that our CST/teachers desperately need and want the proper resources from the district to provide the appropriate help our children require. I truly believe many of our teachers deeply care for our children and have asked for the support, however it is not always available.

On the other hand, often we are quick to label children as mischievous or inattentive when in fact they are not challenged or engaged and sometimes, ignored. These same children can fall behind in their studies and education. We then feel the urgency to dedicate extra resources for Special Education, these children should never have reached this level.

This dovetails into our financial resources. Are we being financially responsible when it comes to allocating resources? Are we taking advantage of all the grants available to us? Are we sending our children to out of district schools when we can and should provide the education in district? I know children that were transported to private schools because we failed to properly teach them at the elementary level. After receiving the education that we failed to provide them, the children are coming back or are back to our schools with minimal or zero in class support.

In order to succeed in this area and in others, we must collaborate and hold everyone accountable, ourselves, our staff, our administration, and our children. We all have direct impact on the success of our schools. No matter what I or my fellow candidates and the current Board Members want to improve/change, we cannot do so without collaborating with our community and holding each other at every level accountable. As an HR professional, I need to be prepared to have those tough conversations regarding development, financial responsibility, accountability. I will bring the same compassion and open-minded mindset I have in my professional career to the Cranford Board of Education. We need to be willing to be reflective on what has been successful and what has not. We must be honest with one another to improve our schools and the level of education we are providing to our children. I can agree to disagree and continue to work together for a common goal, which is putting “Our Children First”.

3. What three words would you use to describe yourself to someone who has never met you?

a. Innovative: I will always have a different perspective to offer, no matter the topic at hand, oftentimes, I have an idea that greatly improves the task at hand
b. Open-minded: I am always willing to listen; I don’t judge; I will offer advice and guidance
c. Approachable: I believe I am friendly and non-confrontational; willing to offer a helping hand

4. What experience in your background has prepared you to be an effective leader?

As an HR / Administration professional I have an extensive background coaching managers and employees in dealing with difficult situations. I have been involved in identifying areas of concern within an organization and how to improve them. I am extensively familiar with implementing policies and procedures throughout an organization and how to involve employees to assist with the implementation. Often in an organization, HR is tasked with bringing opposing team members together to find the common ground and work together for the betterment of the company.

5. Tell me something about you, like hobbies or interests, that have nothing to do with the campaign.

I believe my biggest accomplishments have been raising my children and taking an active role in their extra-curricular activities. My son is actively involved in his Boy Scout troop where I am the Troop Treasurer. My daughter is actively involved in her Girl Scout Troop where I am a co-leader. I have also been a catechist teacher for St. Michael’s school here in Cranford Township. I truly enjoyed my time as a catechist teacher in St. Michael’s and I’m looking forward to when I can return to that role. Through Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts I have been an active leader, collaborate with various members of the respective committees. I enjoy working with parents and our children to improve and motivate the scouts to excel.

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