Meet the Candidates: Lillian Romano

Lillian Romano is seeking a two-year term on the Board of Education. Below is her statement in her own words. Watch the video to see her present her statement.

My name is Lillian Romano and I am a candidate for the Hasbrouck Heights Board of Education. Thank you for taking the time to allow me to tell you a little bit about myself and my experiences in child advocacy.

I grew up in Hasbrouck Heights and graduated from Hasbrouck Heights High School. I always knew I would want to raise my children here because I wanted to share with them the same sense of community I felt growing up here. My husband Pat and I moved here over 17 years ago. Both of my children have had wonderful experiences in the district and their education in Hasbrouck Heights has given them a wonderful foundation for advancing their education. Juliana is a sophomore at Villanova University and Marissa, a senior at the high school, will attend College of the Holy Cross in September.

My interest in public service began back in college. I volunteered for the Bergen County Probation Department as a youth mentor and they subsequently recruited me to become a member of the Hasbrouck Heights Juvenile Conference Committee. I worked for almost 15 years as a child protective services case manager for the Division of Youth and Family Services. For the latter part of my career with DYFS, I served as liaison to the Bergen County Superior Court representing the Division in juvenile matters.

Over 12 years I fulfilled the dream of becoming a teacher. I have been a Special Education Teacher in the Leonia School District for 10 years. I am an associate member of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, and a graduate of the Dyslexia Therapy Course through Fairleigh Dickinson University. I attended that program through a scholarship generously provided by the 32^nd Degree Masons. Additionally, I have participated in two years of professional development in Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop through Teacher’s College, Columbia University.

I served as a Board of Education trustee from 2007 to 2010. I did not seek re-election last year as I wanted to devote this year to Marissa’s college search.  I am very proud of the reputation I earned as a trustee. I demonstrated a willingness to analyze each and every issue before me and to vote with the confidence that I made a difference to the students in our community. I served as chairperson of the Special Education and Education Committees and was a member of the Recreation and Co-Curricular Committee and the Policy Committee. I have continued to be a regular and vocal attendee at board meetings as well.

I was an active participant in the search for a new superintendent and it was based on my recommendation that the interim director of special services Andrea Freeman was hired.

My goal, if elected, is to help find creative and economically sound ways to maximize our resources for students. I believe that we must continually “raise the bar” in education as our global expectations change. I believe that my experience in the field of education, pedagogy, and educational best practices, along with my knowledge of the expectations of this community, will serve as an asset to this board.

I hope you will allow me to continue my service to Hasbrouck Heights by voting for me on Wednesday, April 27. Thank you.