LONG VALLEY, NJ — With Election Day approaching, Patch is putting together a series of candidate profiles so readers can learn more about who is on their ballot.
Suzanne (Sue) Bliesath is a veterinarian and BOE incumbent who is running unopposed to keep her seat on the West Morris Regional High School District Board of Education, representing Washington Township.
Long Valley Patch asked candidates to share some information about themselves and asked identical questions to all candidates.
See Bliesath's responses below:
Basic Information
1. Why are you running for this position?
I raised my family in Washington Township, and my children are all West Morris Central High School Alumni. Serving on the BOE gives me an opportunity to give back to the district. My children all required additional special education services, and I am proud to be able to be a voice for those students. It is very important to me that all students have an exceptional educational experience from IB/AP/honors to life skills.
2. What do you believe to be the most pressing issue in the school district, and what do you intend to do about it if elected?
The most pressing issue in the school district is balancing rising costs with district needs while promoting responsible stewardship of our taxpayer dollars. If re-elected, I plan to continue to work with the current board to help find ways to advocate for responsible spending. Two examples of this are the refinancing of the district debt during my first term and the choice of referendum projects during my second term. By combining major capital projects into the referendum and choosing projects with maximum state matching funds, the district can maintain its facilities, expand course offerings in areas such as robotics, while still delivering a decrease in the amount of local taxes dedicated to debt service.
If re-elected, I plan to continue to advocate for responsible stewardship by encouraging the application for federal and state funds when able, responsibly budget by prioritizing spending and to continue to look for ways to save while still making sure we provide an exceptional educational experience for our students. This is proving to be harder each year, but I am dedicated to promoting the well-being of our district.
3. What qualifications and qualities do you possess that make you best suited for the position?
I am currently the chair of the Education Committee. Prior to pursuing veterinary medicine as a career, I was a math secondary education major in college. I come from a long line of accomplished educators, and my daughter is a teacher. I have a great appreciation for our dedicated teachers. Since all 3 of my children had IEPs (individualized educational plans) due to disabilities, I bring my own experiences as a parent to the education committee.
In addition, as a veterinarian, I have training in public health and disease transmission, which is helpful in understanding Health Office policies and procedures.
4. What role do you believe parents should have in decisions about curriculum, school policies, and their children's education?
Parents are a valued partner with the school in their children's education. I believe that parents should always approach their child's teacher about any concerns they have with the curriculum and then escalate those concerns to the principal, superintendent, or the board if they are not addressed to the parent's satisfaction. With regard to policies, some are mandatory by the state and the board must adopt them.
Others, the board considers on a needed basis when presented by the administration. Once again, I would encourage parents to reach out to the administration or any board member with issues or concerns. Parents are welcome to email me through the BOE website, and I am always willing to forward an issue to the appropriate administrator or bring it to the board.
5. In a few words, what is your favorite thing about your school district/community?
My favorite thing about the West Morris Regional High School District is the shared resources a regional high school district provides for our students. I attended Lenape Valley Regional High School and was grateful for the opportunities available that would not be possible in a very small school. By having two high schools, the district has the best of both worlds: the resources of a regional high school and the sense of community that a smaller school provides.
_________
Election Day is Nov. 3.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Long Valley Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.