Joyce Eldridge-Howard: Hillsborough BOE Candidate Profile

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ —There is a contested race for the Hillsborough Board of Education election this upcoming November election with five candidates vying for the three open seats.

Joyce Eldridge-Howard is among the five candidates running for the three, three-year seats in the election being held on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The other four candidates include: John Oliver, Paul Marini, Gregory Gillette, and Jean Trujillo.

Here is a look at who Eldridge-Howard is and why she is running. Candidates were asked to answer the same questions and each candidate profile will be posted on Patch's site as it gets closer to the election.

Joyce Eldridge-Howard

"I am in my ninth month as a member of the Hillsborough Board of Education and I’m close to completing my one year unexpired term. After much thought and contemplation, I have decided to run for a three year term. I have been questioned by some members of the community as to why I would want to run again, given all of the turmoil that has transpired during this past year within the District.

My answer is simply, I have an undying commitment to public education (teaching/learning). My background and experience at all levels of public education have provided me with a clear understanding of the direction we should go as a Board. I believe my voice and knowledge can and will make a difference. In every organization there is a give and take. A board member must always keep the students first and foremost in mind. We are expected to adopt policies to give the district direction, set the vision/goals for the district, adopt and oversee the budget etc. A lot is expected and much must be given by all of us.

The teachers are the strength of the teaching and learning component of this school district and the curriculum and administration is the backbone. It is my opinion, at this juncture, that the Board and the HEA can and will agree because I strongly believe that our committed Hillsborough educators want what is best for the students along with this Board. As one of the nine Board members I have experience at all levels.

It is my hope that the registered voters in Hillsborough will research Joyce Eldridge-Howard for Hillsborough Board of Education on Facebook or speak with those who know of my work and character and conclude that my re-election to the Hillsborough BOE will be a continued asset.

There is no room for politics on this board, as some may try to convince the public. My record as a committed educator stands for itself. Students are first and no one could ever change that. My commitment to the education of students and teaching, learning and curriculum development has always been a major part of my adult life which is proven by my 40 years as an accomplished and recognized educator.

My continued inclusion on the Hillsborough BOE will provide meaningful collaborative input in support of the district’s vision to promote student and teacher growth and development; however, I recognize that there are changes that must be made in the areas of internal/external communications; advocating for additional state funding; parental concerns; HEA/BOE collaboration which can and will result in agreeable resolutions with the notion of understanding of why I chose education as a profession and why, I as a Board member chose to run and become a member of the Hillsborough Board of Education.

My experience as an educator, has also provided me with "know how" and insights. After my retirement, I started an educational consulting business which resulted in many positive outcomes and valuable learning experiences for the teachers, library media specialists, principals and central office administration.

I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and a Masters of Art Degree in Pedagogy and certifications in Administration and Supervision. My forty successful years as a public school educator includes serving as a Director of Elementary Education, Principal, Assistant Principal, Lead teacher for the Academically Talented Program, Guidance Counselor and a teacher of kindergarten and grades two, four and six.

Some of my recognitions include Who’s Who in America; Who’s Who in America for American Women, School Leadership Designee, Governor’s Teacher Recognition Award Recipient and I was awarded a Distinguished Service Award.

My abbreviated involvement include serving on the Education Committee for the Hillsborough Board of Education, an alternate for the Somerset County Educational Services Commission Board, and the Hearthstone at Hillsborough Trustee Board.

For additional information about me, find me on Facebook at Joyce Eldridge-Howard for Hillsborough Board of Education."

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

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