Hillsborough School Candidate: Joyce Eldridge-Howard

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Joyce Eldridge-Howard is one of the two candidates running for a one-year unexpired term seat 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.

Joyce Eldridge-Howard

Description:

My name is Joyce Eldridge-Howard and I have lived in Hillsborough for the past 11 years. I have an adult son who lives and works as a private client banker in Hunterdon County. Although, I am retired, as the Director of Elementary Education in another school district, I have been and always will be a lifelong educator.

Why are you running for the school board?

I am running for the Hillsborough School Board because I have many years of experience as an educator that will be of great benefit to the board, the school district and our community. I’ve always had a strong work ethic and I enjoy being a problem solver, as well as working collaboratively with others. My successful years as a public school educator have provided me with a solid knowledge base and meaningful experiences that I can bring to the board. Being an educator has been a lifelong commitment and it is my belief that I will have much to offer as a member of the Hillsborough Board of Education. I am dedicated and deeply concerned that every child should have the opportunity to reach their maximum potential.

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

I have 40 years as an educator with commendations as a teacher, guidance counselor, vice principal, principal and the director of elementary education. After retirement, I developed an educational consulting business whose major focus was professional development for teachers and librarians K-12. I’ve always had a commitment to all students, teachers, and support staff as it relates to their growth and development.

I am knowledgeable and care very much about all educational matters. I received the Governor’s Teachers’ Recognition Award. I also developed an elementary guidance program for a former district’s schools which was groundbreaking at the time. The curriculum’s focus was the recognition of the need for early intervention in targeted areas in a child’s early life. While a principal, I was recognized nationally by Who’s Who In America in 2000 and Who’s Who of American Women in 2001 and my school was given the distinction of a national visitation site by Success For All, the Whole School Reform model. I would welcome the opportunity to bring my skills as a leader and collaborator to the Hillsborough School Board.

What issues would you like to see addressed if elected?

Consistent school funding and improved maintenance of school facilities are critical challenges facing our schools throughout the district. The state aid cuts, in past years have had a profound effect on programming, staffing and facilities which still impacts our schools. The state cuts have resulted in the need to raise local taxes which has been challenging for many Hillsborough taxpayers. It’s most important to be cognizant of all factors when addressing the needs of the district facilities while also remaining cognizant of budget parameters for the greater good of the schools and the community.

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

(Image provided: Joyce Eldridge-Howard)

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