Meet the Candidates: Joann Garifalos

Joann Garifalos is seeking re-election to 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 Joann Risalvato-Garifalos. My husband Nick and I are married for 10 years and we have two children. Our son Peter is a second grade student at Lincoln School and our son C.J. is a freshman at Hasbrouck Heights High School.

I was born and raised in Hasbrouck Heights, beginning my elementary education at Lincoln School. After graduating from Hasbrouck Heights High school I went on to study Business Administration at Bergen County Community College.

I began a 21-year career working in the corporate offices of Pathmark stores that culminated as the Supervising Manager of six departments in the company’s Perishable Division. I chose to leave my career so that I could devote all of my efforts to raising my children.

I am also a lifelong parishioner of Corpus Christi parish where I attended catechism classes and developed my faith. I still attend mass there regularly and today our son Peter is enrolled in the religious education program.

I am a member of the Parents Actively Supporting Schools (PASS) and I serve as an officer of the Lincoln School PTA. I also serve on the committees such as Drug Awareness, Read-A-Thon, Teacher Appreciation and Town Day. For the past four years I have been a volunteer for the Strong Kids Campaign at the YMCA of Greater Bergen County. Much of my time is devoted to raising money to help underprivileged children. I received an award for “Bergen County Volunteer of the Year” from the YMCA in 2007 for all of my efforts.

Because of my passion for helping children that are less fortunate than others, my husband and I work closely with the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS). Too many children are displaced from their parents and require love and guidance. Nick and I have chosen to volunteer as foster parents and we have shared our home and family with six youngsters in the past three years hoping to make a difference in their lives.

This experience has given a whole new meaning to us regarding what makes a good school system, having seen firsthand how schools in other districts are failing children. Being foster parents gives us new opportunities to share our love, and to help educate children. This has become a great source of joy for us.

I believe that most who know me well would judge me to be a dedicated and honest person, who is willing to devote my personal energies to my family and public good. Nine months ago I was asked to fill a vacancy to serve on the Hasbrouck Heights Board of Education. This has permitted me to see up close just how our schools work and has given me the opportunity to be part of the process to maintain excellence where it exists, and make improvements where it doesn’t. As a taxpayer I insist that excellence be achieved with efficiency.

I have been honored to serve for the past nine months and I would consider it a privilege to be permitted another term to serve again. I pledge to dedicate myself to make Hasbrouck Heights schools the very best. I love our town and I love our schools. I will consider it a great honor to be elected on April. 27.

In closing the real issue is what is the right decision to make for our students of Hasbrouck Heights. They need to be safe and well educated to make the right decisions after leaving and continuing their education at college or starting their career for the rest of their lives. Every student that leaves Hasbrouck Heights will be proud to say “I went to HH schools.”

And in doing this we as a community and administration need to start working on the process now. Hopefully with the new changes that are happening now will see the benefit in grades 6 to 12. And then the upcoming years from pre-K through 12. It takes time and a lot of effort to get things done right.

Remember your child is your greatest investment. Invest in their futures by putting your trust in me to insure that your child and every child of Hasbrouck Heights attains the best education possible. Thank you and please remember to vote on April 27.