Meet Parsippany BOE Candidate Wendy Wright

PARSIPPANY, 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.

Wendy Wright is a professor who has thrown her hat in the ring to win one of three available seats on the Parsippany Board of Education.

Patch asked candidates to share some information about themselves and asked identical questions to all candidates.

See Wright's responses below:

Basic Information

• Full name: Wendy Wright
• Age: 45
• Town of residence: Parsippany-Troy Hills
• Position sought: Board of Education Member
• Family: I live with my husband and daughter (who is currently a third grade student in the district).
• Education: Ph.D. - Political Science; MA in Public Policy & International Affairs
• Occupation: Professor (Political Science/Legal Studies)
• Previous or current elected/appointed office (if applicable): I am currently completing my first term as a Parsippany BOE member.

Questions

1. Why are you running for this position?

I am running to continue to act as an advocate for evidence-based, justice-oriented, student-centered educational practice. As an educator, social scientist, and parent, I bring a strong combination of expertise and experience that makes me able to effectively analyze district policy and practice. As a parent, I know what matters, and I am deeply connected to the day-to-day of the schools. I think I have more good work to do in this role, and I hope to have the opportunity to continue to serve.

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?

Balancing budget challenges with minimizing the tax burden to our residents is the most urgent issue facing the district. With out-of-control healthcare costs in particular, we are having to run faster just to stay still. To address this, I will:

a. ) Act as a keen steward of the district budget, ensuring that every dollar is reviewed.

b. ) Continue to encourage creativity in seeking new sources of revenue, including new grant opportunities and advocating with the municipality for PILOT-fund sharing.

c.) Ensure that our priorities in negotiation are fairness and investment where it counts.

3. What qualifications and qualities do you possess that make you best suited for the position?

I am a passionate defender of justice and equity, often seeking to ensure that underrepresented stakeholders are considered in the Board and District’s work. I am also an educator with over twenty years of classroom experience from the elementary to graduate levels. I have served on the board for the past three years, including two years as Chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee. I am also a published scholar, which enables me to bring a strong analytic perspective to all things that come to the Board.

4. What role do you believe parents should have in decisions about curriculum, school policies, and their children's education?

Parents should have the first and last say about their children’s education. I support robust opt-out provisions and parents’ rights to place their children in preferred educational settings. In a public school, though, this should not mean that parents can have a veto over what other people’s children learn. Educational standards are set by the state through a democratic process, just as district policies are set by the Board of Education, also through a democratic process. I support that democratic process, while also being deeply committed to academic freedom and a curriculum where students can see themselves and their families represented and learn about the richness of our world.

5. In a few words, what is your favorite thing about your school district/community?

I love Parsippany-Troy Hills’s joyful embrace of both diversity and excellence in our district. We are a school district that celebrates the richness of our community and recognizes its value–particularly through ensuring that the calendar reflects a broad cross-section of holidays. Simultaneously, we are always striving to define and meet new standards of excellence. I am proud to live in and to serve our Parsippany-Troy Hills community.

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Election Day is Nov. 3.