Hillsborough School Candidate: Jane Staats

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ —Jane M. Staats is one of the six candidates running for election in the contested 2018 Hillsborough School Board election being held on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

In Hillsborough/Millstone School District, there are six candidates vying for the two three-year seats on the board. Candidates include: Jane M. Staats, Brett Cooper, Dana Boguszewski, Lisa Maroun, Christopher Pulsifer and Bonnie R. Kole.

Additionally, there are two candidates Thomas J. Zobele and Joyce Eldridge-Howard vying for the one one-year unexpired term seat.

Jane Staats

Description:

My name is Jane Staats, and I am 60 years old. My husband and I have lived in Hillsborough for 32 years. Our son went to Hillsborough public schools K through 12, and he is now a sportswriter in Georgia. I was a public school math teacher for 32 years, 18 at Hillsborough High School. I am a volunteer with the Municipal Alliance, Mary Mother of God Parish, HHS Theatre, and Somerset Valley Playhouse.

Why are you running for the school board?

As a former public school teacher and current tutor and volunteer, I feel obliged to contribute to the community of Hillsborough, and I want to share my passion and expertise for education in particular.

Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

Regardless of my own circumstances, throughout my life, I have exercised my capacities for listening and compassion to watch out for the underdog, the child who is ignored, the student suffering from injustice. I intend to continue to contribute my empathy, compassion, and awareness as a member of the Hillsborough Board of Education.

What experience do you have that would help you serving on the school board?

I was a public school mathematics teacher for all levels of students for 32 years, 18 of which were at Hillsborough High School. My son attained an excellent education in Hillsborough public schools, K through 12. At HHS, I created and facilitated a smoking cessation group for students for several years. I am an active volunteer for the Municipal Alliance, which promotes awareness and prevention of drug and alcohol abuse. I have been the scenic artist for HHS Theatre and Somerset County Players for many years.

At Mary Mother of God Parish, I am a leader for the children’s liturgy, and I am also a volunteer on the Art and Environment Committee. During my tenure at HHS, I spoke at several school board meetings. During the past three years, I have attended most of the meetings, and I have spoken at many of them. I have pushed for policies and practices that I believed were best for the students, even when encountering resistance.

As a 32-year homeowner in Hillsborough, I understand the concerns that many taxpayers have about rising property taxes. As a well-rounded, well-informed educator, and an involved volunteer with a variety of community organizations in Hillsborough, I am an ideal candidate.

What issues would you like to see addressed if elected?

Infrastructure concerns, as well as proposals for full-day kindergarten and a new high school, are already high-profile issues that the current school board is addressing, and I believe that they should continue to be addressed.

Many of my fellow homeowners truly value a quality education for our students, but they are also suffering the hardship of rising property taxes. The school board must explore and be open to suggestions for creative ways to provide a quality education in a cost-effective manner.

I would like to improve the relationship between the school board and other stakeholders in Hillsborough, especially parents and township officials. Respectful communication and collaboration can prove beneficial for our students and the Hillsborough community at large.

Many students could better serve themselves and their communities by pursuing careers that do not rely on a traditional college education; to that end, I would like the board to help to de-stigmatize and promote vocational and technical education.

I would also like the board to continue to address mental health and mindfulness education, as well as the issue of substance abuse among students, and related outreach to parents and the community at large.

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

(Image provided: Jane Staats)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.