R.E.A.L. Parents x SPF Shares '24 SPF BOE Endorsement, Voter Resources

Local elections are critical to the advancement of representation, equity, anti-racism and literary diversity in our schools.

We believe that the members of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education have a responsibility to ensure that our district acknowledges, includes and is responsive to the needs of our increasingly diverse community.

Voters understand that most candidates in any race can appear to be the right fit for supporting the ideals above, but upon closer inspection, some are not.

There are currently three BOE seats open in Scotch Plains this election, and four candidates running for them. After careful research and consideration, R.E.A.L. Parents x SPF endorses the following candidates for the Scotch Plains Fanwood Board of Education seats:

• Karen Kulikowski
• Debora Brody
• Tonya Y. Williams

Continue reading to learn more about the endorsed candidates and why we chose them, and to access helpful election resources for all Scotch Plains-Fanwood voters, then please vote in the 2024 General Election.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Board of Education Candidate Endorsement Announcement

Election Resources

• About the Endorsed Candidates
  • Dr. Karen Kulikowski
  • Debora Brody
  • Tonya Y. Williams
• How to Support the Endorsed Candidates
• How to Learn More About All the Candidates
• SPF BOE Meet the Candidates Night Q&A Forum Video Breakdown
• About the Board of Education
• Union County, NJ Voting Information

ABOUT THE ENDORSED CANDIDATES

Karen Kulikowski - Scotch Plains

• Incumbent, up for re-election
• Column #2 on Scotch Plains ballots

A dentist by trade and former professor at the School of Health Related Professions at UMDNJ, Dr. Kulikowski moved to Scotch Plains twenty-five years ago in order to raise her family here.

As her son attended SPF schools, she served the community by volunteering her time in countless roles, including various positions in the PTA and committees in the BOE, and is currently the Vice President of the SPF BOE.

She is an experienced educator, regular volunteer and successful professional who says the district's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion goals are "very important" to her -- and her efforts reflect this. She'd like enriched curriculum and highly qualified staff to reflect the population of the diverse student body to help ensure all students and staff feel seen and welcome in our schools.

Current BOE Committees:

• Facilities
• Personnel
• Negotiations: Superintendent's Evaluation
• Negotiations: Supervisors, Administrators

From our 2024 interview:

“My vision for our school district is to maintain reasonable class size, have the most qualified and diverse faculty members and offer courses that stimulate and engage our students and lead them to seek higher education &/or become gainfully employed when they graduate high school.”

Learn more about Dr. Karen Kulikowski:

Read all of her answers to our interview questions.

Hear her responses to the SPF BOE Candidates Night Q&A Forum.

Read her interview on the SPF School District website.

Plus:

• She has served as the President of the SPF BOE, and is currently Vice President.
• She is both a Certified Board Member and achieved certification as a Master Board Member through the New Jersey School Board, which requires certifications then additional coursework and a test for each.
• She was an active member of the PTA beginning with her son's enrollment in SPF schools, serving as co-chair and then Committee chair for School One’s Fun Fair, then elected PTA President at Nettingham Middle School (formerly Park Middle School) for three nonconsecutive years and as PTA Council President for one year.
• When her son went to Union County VoTech, she became the membership chairperson for the combined Academy for Information Technology and Union County Vocational Technical High School's Parent School Organization (PSO) for two years, then was elected President of the then combined AIT-UCTech Parent School Organization (PSO) for two years.
• She received a Certificate of Appreciation from the SPF PTA via Coles Elementary student representatives in 2013.
• She is a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
• She was a professor at The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in the School of Health Professions, teaching for over 30 years in the Department of Allied Dental Education.
• She was appointed the Director of Clinical Education and Support Services at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.
• She volunteered to participate in Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) day held in February each year to provide free dental care to those in need for over a decade.
• She regularly volunteers to give dental career information to the 8th graders at Nettingham Middle School.
• She volunteers to read to SPF elementary students during Read Across America week.
• She was a member of the New Jersey National Guard for eight years in the 194th Medical Detachment West Orange, New Jersey, achieving the rank of Sergeant.

“I fully support the Curriculum Committee with the improved inclusion of diversity in textbooks, library collections and celebrations of festivals and cultural traditions to broaden the knowledge and acceptance of all in our schools.”

“I enjoy working for the students, families, teachers, administrators and fellow Board members to ensure that all participate in a fulfilling educational process.”

- Karen Kulikowski, R.E.A.L. Parents x SPF BOE Candidate interview (2021)

Debora Brody - Scotch Plains

• Incumbent, up for re-election
• Column #1 on Scotch Plains ballots

A lifelong learner with two masters degrees, this finance expert and business owner has lived in Scotch Plains for over three decades. She has been involved in the school district in both volunteer and elected positions since her youngest of four children was in grade school.

If re-elected, Debora Brody wants to continue working in conjunction with her fellow BOE members in growing DEI efforts in the district, including “support any expansion of our curriculum to foster the trades as opposed to just college.

There are many students who leave our school district with talents that are not stressed enough. I would like these students to be presented and nurtured to being able to select other career options after high school.”

Current BOE Committees:

• Finance (Chairperson)
• Community Relations (Chairperson)
• Liaisons: Municipal Alliance Committee (MAC)
• Liaisons: Union Co. Educational Services Commission (UCESC)

From our 2024 interview:

“My vision for the future is to be able to address our space needs for our students. It was unfortunate that we were not able to pass the referendum. A problem still exists that we need to figure out how to rectify.

We heard the public and now we have to get back to work. In conjunction with the bond referendum failure, I hope to continue to work with the community for the betterment of our school district and community.”

Learn more about Debora Brody:

Read all of her answers to our interview questions.

Hear her responses to the SPF BOE Candidates Night Q&A Forum.

Read her interview on the SPF School District website.

Plus:

• She has a BA in Accounting and two graduate degrees: one in Management Systems Analysis and one in Accounting, and has also passed the CPA exam.
• She has run her own company for over twenty years, helping small businesses control their finances and monitor the health of their financial statements.
• She is a member of the and the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce (GWACC).
• She volunteered with the SPF PTA for over ten years during her four children's education in SPF schools, including being the district-wide PTA President, as well as the PTA President of Coles, Terrill and SPFHS.
• She volunteered as Treasurer for the Scotch Plains Fanwood Education Enrichment Foundation for 13+ years
• She was honored in 2014 with a Women of Excellence Award for “Excellence in Business” at the Union County Commission on the Status of Women’s 22nd Annual Women of Excellence Awards dinner.
• She has been a finance expert speaker, like at The New Jersey Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Kean University on Business Accounting and Budget in 2019, “Job Costing using QuickBooks, Knowify, Corecon.”
• She considers herself to be a "thoughtful and fair" decision-maker. "When having to make a hard choice ALL affected parties are always considered over and above my personal beliefs.” (2021 Patch interview)
• She would like to see more diverse career planning worked into the next SPF Public Schools Strategic Plan.

“We are all one great community, and what we teach in schools should be representative of every student who attends. Every member of our school district needs to be respectful of each others’ similarities and differences and learn from each other. The only way to know this is being communicated is in the schools.”

“I believe great strides have been made thus far in creating a thoughtful, cohesive school community, but there is more work to be done. We need to keep the momentum going.”

- Debora Brody, R.E.A.L. Parents x SPF BOE Candidate interview (2021)

Tonya Y. Williams - Scotch Plains

• Incumbent, up for re-election
• Column #3 on Scotch Plains ballots

A realtor, small business owner, athletics volunteer, PTA volunteer, and mom of three, this current BOE member has demonstrated commitment to multi-tiered equity efforts throughout SPF for years.

Not only did Tonya Y. Williams grow up in SPF and graduate from SPFHS, once she had children of her own she moved back to the community she loved so they could experience it for themselves. She has the unique position of being able to see SPF schools in the past as a student and parent, and in the future.

A few things she would like to help with over the next three years are “bringing middle school sports back,” “focus on diversity and equity in our school district,” and continue to “focus on school environment and safety.”

Her experience as a wellness coach "bridges the gap between wellness and academic success by advocating for programs that improve student health, which in turn enhances focus, attendance, and overall academic outcomes."

Current BOE Committees:

• Wellness and Equity (Chairperson)
• Facilities (Chairperson)
• Community Relations
• Policy
• Student Activities and Athletic
• Negotiations: SPFEA/Board Relations
• Liaisons: NJ School Boards Association
• Liaisons: Union Co. Educational Services Commission (UCESC)

From our 2024 interview:

"If I am re-elected [I'd like to] ensure that all students in SPF have access to a fair, inclusive, and enriching educational experience that not only prepares them academically but also instills a strong sense of belonging and respect for all cultures and identities."

Learn more about Tonya Williams:

Read all of her answers to our interview questions.

Hear her responses to the SPF BOE Candidates Night Q&A Forum.

Read her interview on the SPF School District website.

Plus:

• She graduated from SPFHS and moved back to SPF twenty years ago to raise her kids here.
• She volunteered as a member of the PTA and room parent throughout her kids’ time in SPF schools.
• She led the creation of the Board of Education Wellness and Equity Committee, which ended up in the 2017-2021 SPF Public Schools Strategic Plan.
• She successfully recommended renaming Park Middle School to Malcolm E. Nettingam Middle School after a local hero, which turned into a renaming celebration that brought more of the Tuskegee Airmen history to classroom curriculum and school libraries throughout the district.
• She has volunteered as a Girl Scout leader for 13 years.
• She has volunteered in the youth baseball leagues in both Scotch Plains and Fanwood.
• She has volunteered to coach in the Scotch Plains summer basketball league.
• She is a Rotarian, continuing her community service efforts in Scotch Plains through the organization.
• She volunteers to participate in youth civic engagement eventsby Jack and Jill of America, Inc., which is “dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty,” (2024) and was the President of the Greater Union County Chapter for two years.
• She is a local business owner for the past 25 years as a Realtor.
• She earned the At Home with Diversity® certification through the National Association of Realtors.
• She is the Founder and CEO of Sisters Helping Seniors, supporting local seniors in the long term care process.
• She has moderated mental health events such as the Coping with COVID-19 | Mental Health in May.
• She is a professional wellness coach.
• She would like to see more student empowerment worked into the next SPF Public Schools Strategic Plan.

“[My] vision is unwavering and that is to foster a school district where every student, regardless of background, thrives in an environment that prioritizes academic excellence, wellness, and equity.

I envision schools where students are not only prepared for future success but are also nurtured holistically, with a focus on their physical health, mental well-being, and social-emotional development.

By promoting racial equality, inclusion, and access to essential resources, we can empower every child to reach their fullest potential and contribute positively to our community.”

- Tonya Williams, 2024 SPF District BOE Candidate Interview

SUPPORT THE ENDORSED CANDIDATES

If you agree with our endorsement, there are easy ways to spread the word and help these three candidates win their races:

1. Vote! Here's how.
2. Hang a free printable sign in your home's window:
   • Printable 8.5 x 11" sign to hang in your home window, local small business, etc.
3. Share this post on your social media.
4. Talk about this election with trusted friends and neighbors. You are welcome to share the resources here with them to aid in the conversation and research.

If you're still not sure yet, take the time to learn more about all of the candidates on your ballot before voting. Keep reading to learn how.

HOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALL THE CANDIDATES

The best way to make an informed voting decision is to learn as much as you can about each candidate and the position they are seeking.

Here are some resources for how to do so for the 2024 SPF Board of Education election.

• Learn more about what the Board of Education is, what it does, the expectation and limits of its members, etc.
• See which committees current SPF BOE members sit on/chair, then listen to them speak at BOE meetings during committee updates, or read the meeting agendas and meeting minutes to see how they participate, which projects they support (2022-present, 2021-2022).
  • Check the finer details, progress or resources behind what they say by searching the district website, NJ Dept of Ed website and/or reaching out to them directly.
• Listen to the challengers speak at BOE meetings during Public Comments (there are two of these at each BOE meeting, one at the beginning at one at the end).
  • Check the finer details or resources behind what they say/ask by searching the district website, NJ Dept of Ed website and/or reaching out to them directly.
• Watch the Candidates Night Q&A Forum in full.
• Read election interviews with each candidate, then check the finer details behind what they say.
  • Read all the candidates' answers to our interview questions in full here.
  • Read all the candidates' answers to the SPF School District's candidate questions here.
  • Past candidate interviews have been here in the SPF Patch, on TAPintoSPF (online), and in the Union County Hawk (print).
  • For current BOE members, the district newsletter has "Meet the Board" mini interviews that are also shared on their Facebook Page.
• Google them! Use search terms like award, honor, community, or others that are of particular interest to you to see their accomplishments and activities.
• Search for their name in local media coverage (like SPF Patch and TAPIntoSPF) for articles that could show what they've been up to in the community.
• Talk to them. Some will make public appearances at local events before the election. Reach out and ask them what you'd like to know.
• Ask trusted community members what they look for in a BOE member, who they are considering voting for, and what convinced them to do so.

Once you're done doing a few of these things, you will be able to make a more informed voting decision.

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEET THE CANDIDATES NIGHT Q&A FORUM VIDEOS

The live recording of the SPF BOE Candidates Night Q&A Forum with the SPF PTA Council and League of Women Voters via the SPF BOE YouTube channel happened Tuesday, October 8th, 2024.

The questions were submitted by members of the SPF community.

We broke the video down for you by topic and candidate to make it easier to review, and included reference materials below some questions in case the viewer is unfamiliar with the particulars.

Subtitles/closed captions and a transcript are available on this video, which is on the SPF Board of Education YouTube channel.

PART ONE

00:04:39 Welcome
00:11:14 Opening Statements Video Clip

00:11:40 Deb Brody
00:13:48 Karen Kulikowski
00:15:52 John Greenblatt
00:18:11 Tonya Williams

PART TWO: QUESTIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY

00:20:00 Question #1 Video Clip

Based on your experiences, what sets you apart from the other candidates seeking the vote of the Scotch Plains voters?

00:20:20 Tonya Williams
00:21:10 Karen Kulikowski
00:22:03 John Greenblatt
00:23:15 Deb Brody

00:23:56 Question #2 Video Clip

Why do you think the referendum did not pass?

We are definitely in need of space and our schools are and will continue to be overcrowded.

How would you have done things differently to help it pass?

In what direction would you lead the district in post-referendum, specifically: what process steps will you advocate so that the town can move forward with solving this problem?

00:24:51 John Greenblatt
00:25:59 Deb Brody
00:27:08 Tonya Williams
00:27:49 Karen Kulikowski
00:28:50 Rebuttal by John Greenblatt

• Re: a Referendum “Task Force”: There was a Pre-Referendum Committee formed of interested SPF community members around the same time the community survey about the referendum was sent out. Meetings were held from 11/23 - 9/24.

• Referendum/space expansion information and/or discussion (partial list) about finding a solution for the enrollment/capacity issue:
  • 8/27/24 BOE Meeting (Video)
  • 8/15/24 BrightArrow email blast
  • 7/16/24 BOE Meeting (Video)
  • 7/12/24 SwiftReach email blast
  • 6/20/24 BOE Meeting (Video)
  • 6/20/24 SwiftReach email blast
  • 5/13/24 SwiftReach email blast
  • 5/7/24 BOE Meeting (Video)
  • 5/1/24 SwiftReach email blast
  • 5/24 District newsletter
  • 3/13/24 BOE Meeting (Video)
  • 3/24 District newsletter
  • 1/25/24 BOE Meeting (Video)
  • 1/24 District newsletter
  • 11/30/23 BOE Meeting (Video)
  • 11/22/23 Building a Future-Ready SPF: Website launched for referendum info
  • 11/9/23 SwiftReach email blast
  • 11/23 District newsletter
  • 10/19/23 BOE Meeting (Video)
  • 9/20/23 BOE Meeting (Video)
  • 10/6/22 BOE Meeting (Video)
  • 3/22 District newsletter
  • 9/28/21 Strategic Plan (2022-2025) Planning session #1

• 10/17/24 SPF BOE President Evan Murray opens the BOE meeting with a statement to clear up "miscommunications and misconceptions" about the Bond Referendum (13:24 - 17:37)

00:30:16 Question #3 Video Clip

How should the Board of Ed better engage the community in order to come up with a sustainable and workable path forward?

00:30:27 Deb Brody
00:31:26 John Greenblatt
00:32:33 Karen Kulikowski
00:33:40 Tonya Williams

• The Board approved contracting Laura Bishop Communications Services at the 9/25/22 BOE meeting to provide professional services such as ongoing updates regarding district news to the community through social media.
• District Newsletter
• SPF School Newsletters
• District Social Media: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X

00:34:35 Question #4 Video Clip

Would you advocate for having a working citizen committee to improve engagement?

00:34:42 Karen Kulikowski
00:35:15 John Greenblatt
00:36:21 Tonya Williams
00:36:40 Deb Brody

00:37:22 Question #5 Video Clip

What initiatives or goals would you like to include in the district’s Strategic Plan for the next three years?

00:37:34 Deb Brody
00:38:31 Karen Kulikowski
00:39:29 Tonya Williams
00:40:05 John Greenblatt

• SPF Public Schools’ 2022-2025 Strategic Plan + Strategic Plan Goal Tracker
• Strategic Plan planning sessions 1-3 notes
• The New Jersey Department of Education’s (NJDOE) 2022-2023 New Jersey School Performance Reports for SPF Public Schools

00:41:16 Question #6 Video Clip

What do you think the three biggest issues are that are impacting our schools?
Provide reasons and solutions.

00:41:29 Tonya Williams
00:42:13 Deb Brody
00:43:19 John Greenblatt
00:44:30 Karen Kulikowski

00:45:22 Question #7 Video Clip

How can the school district allow better transparency, communication and cooperation between administrators and families to promote a more supportive environment?

00:45:50 John Greenblatt
00:46:48 Tonya Williams
00:47:43 Deb Brody
00:48:52 Karen Kulikowski

• In-person meetings with the BOE that the SPF community are invited to attend:
  • Board of Edmeetings, approx. 14/year
  • Ask the Superintendent meetings (aka “Coffee & Conversation”), 2-3x/year
• At the 9/25/22 BOE meeting, the Board approved contracting Laura Bishop Communications Services to provide professional services such as ongoing updates regarding district news to the community through social media.
• District Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X
• District Newsletter
• SPF School Newsletters

00:50:01 Question #8 Video Clip

Considering the teacher recruiting and retention issues nationally, how will you help to support the teachers that would positively help with recruiting new teachers, retention and maintaining a high caliber teaching staff if you are elected?

00:50:26 Deb Brody
00:52:09 Tonya Williams
00:52:56 Karen Kulikowski
00:53:40 John Greenblatt

• SPF Public Schools’ Employment Opportunities
• SPF Public Schools Human Resources
• Scotch Plains Fanwood Education Association roles and agreement with the SPFBOE

00:54:52 Question #9 Video Clip

In regards to support staff, what changes would you make to retain support staff in our district?

Neighboring school districts and businesses pay significantly more than the Scotch Plains district. Our district is perpetually struggling with staffing.

00:55:17 Karen Kulikowski
00:56:00 Deb Brody
00:56:53 John Greenblatt
00:57:46 Tonya Williams

00:58:22 Question #10 Video Clip

John: For you, a new candidate, whereas the others on the Board are returning candidates, what are you bringing to the Board of Ed that is different?

00:58:41 John Greenblatt

00:59:46 Question #11 Video Clip

This is for the three incumbents on the Board: Can you please tell us about one accomplishment that you are proud of where you played an instrumental role in this past year on the Board of Ed?

1:00:00 Tonya Williams
1:00:34 Karen Kulikowski
1:01:03 Deb Brody

1:02:03 Question #12 Video Clip

In the spring of 2024 the district refused to give off for the first two days of Passover, a very widely-observed Jewish holiday that features seders that run late into the night, and to add insult to injury, multiple school events were scheduled on these days.

(Moderator repeated her note that she is reading questions from residents of the community, not giving her own opinion.)

Given the diversity of Scotch Plains Fanwood community, what do you think the district should do to better accommodate its Jewish community, because in 2027 when once again Easter and Passover will not coincide?

1:03:27 John Greenblatt
1:04:31 Tonya Williams
1:05:14 Karen Kulikowski
1:06:21 Deb Brody

• SPF Public Schools District Policy #8210: School Year calendars
• 2024-2025 School Year Calendar
• District events calendar
• How the Calendar is created: “...there is a Calendar Meeting where all representatives of the PTA from every school meet with the Board, the representative from the schools, and they do also meet with Dr. Mast and the ministerium so that all religious leaders in the community do point out specific religious high holy days and celebrations…“ - SPFBOE member Karen Kulikowski (1:05:18)
• NJ Department of Education List of Religious Holidays Permitting Pupil Absence From School(per N.J.S.A. 18A:36-14 through 16 and N.J.A.C. 6A:32-8.4(e)1i)

1:07:24 Question #13 Video Clip

What are the top agenda items you have on your list which you want to address as soon as elected, which are not being handled currently or you would like to see handled differently?

1:07:53 Karen Kulikowski
1:08:46 Deb Brody
1:09:27 Tonya Williams
1:10:25 John Greenblatt

PART THREE

1:15:59 Video Clip Closing Statements

1:16:12 Tonya Williams
1:18:21 John Greenblatt
1:20:16 Karen Kulikowski
1:21:08 Deb Brody

Moderator: Joan Sturm, League of Women Voters
Host: Suzanne Appezzato-Bjorklund, SPF PTA Council President

ABOUT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education consists of nine individuals (two in Fanwood, seven in Scotch Plains), each elected by voters in their home town for a three-year term.

This is an unpaid volunteer position with local and state policies and mandates that must be followed in order to retain one's seat for the duration of the term.

As of the 2022-2023 school year, per NJ legislation there is also at least one student representative.

Per NJ state law, all elected BOE members must complete New Jersey School Boards Association's mandated trainings to retain their seat.

Additional training and certifications are available to all members throughout their term(s) via the NJSBA Academy.

The following resources may also be helpful for making a more informed voting decision for Board of Education seats:

• New Jersey School Boards Association's FAQs about how to become a BOE member, plus the roles, rules, limits and legal requirements of Board of Education members
• New Jersey School Boards Association video series and additional resources on the role of Board Members
• New Jersey School Boards Association's Guide to Board of Education Meetings in New Jersey
• NJ Leader's "13 Things School Board Members Wish People Knew About Them"
• SPF Board of Education Policy on Public Participation in Board Meetings
• SPF Board of Education Policy on Board Member Use of Social Media
• SPF School District 2022-2025 Strategic Plan
• SPFDistrict/BOE Website, Facebook, Instagram, Newsletter, Email
• 2024-2025 BOE Meeting Dates and Agendas
• BOE YouTube Channel to watch BOE meetings live-streamed, or the recordings of past meetings.

UNION COUNTY, NJ VOTING INFORMATION

Everything Scotch Plains Fanwood residents need to know about the 2024 General Election can be found on Union County Votes, the Official Election Website of Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi, including:

• Vote By Mail ballots were sent out late September
  • Voters can use them once they arrive
  • Drop your ballot off at a certified drop-box:
    • Fanwood residents: Fanwood Historic Train Station & Museum, 230 North Avenue
    • Scotch Plains residents: Scotch Plains Library, 1927 Bartle Avenue
  • Then track your ballot
• Early Voting is from 10/26-11/3/24 at dedicated early voting locations
  • Find where to vote early in person
• Find your polling place for Election Day
• Look at your sample ballot to get ready for the big day
• Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th, 2024

And more.

Thank you for taking the time to make an informed voting decision in order to be a part of positive changes we want to see in our community.

Our kids are counting on us. Let's get R.E.A.L.

R.E.A.L. Parents x SPF Team Leaders
www.REALParentsxSPF.org

Established in 2020, R.E.A.L. Parents x SPF is a collective of parents, neighbors, alumni and allies united to bring more Representation, Equity, Anti-Racism and Literary diversity into every corner of our Scotch Plains-Fanwood public schools' lessons, libraries and leaders.

We are here to work alongside our incredible teachers, administration and officials to bring courageous and culturally responsive change to our classrooms. Together, we are all here to raise the next generation of helpers.

The need for change is as R.E.A.L. as our pledge to make it happen, together.

Learn more here.

Visit us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads.