School Board Candidate Margaret Bongiorno: Maintain Quality Education

Name: Margaret Bongiorno

Children in district: All three graduated from Hopatcong High School.

Education: Bachelor's in nursing.

Occupation: Manages husband's accounting practice. Secretary for small area water utility company.

Why you should vote for me: "I am a fair and reasonable person. I approach problem solving logically. I really believe there is no problem or challenge that cannot be addressed and resolved. The only way to meet a challenge is with an open mind and explore every option available, maybe even some we don't even think of,  as a course of action.  I bring no agenda. I have no allegiance or alliance to anyone or any point of view. The status quo as we know it does not work. We can resist change, we can fight it and even try to ignore it but it is always better to be ahead of the curve rather that running to catch up. I bring a new eye and energy to the board. My experiences, both personally and professionally, have provided me with a much information to draw on  and enable me to do a good job for you."

What are the most important issues facing the Hopatcong Board of Education? "No. 1: Maintaining a quality educational system that meets the needs of our students within the confines of rising costs and budget constraints. No. 2: Negotiating contracts for services and personnel. We must focus on maintaining the integrity of the process and emphasize the needs of our children. No. 3: Review the goals and needs of our educational system. In conjunction with our administration and faculty we must structure our programs to best prepare our children for this world they will inherit and must function in. We cannot minimize the importance of this step."