Get To Know Watchung School Candidate: Margo Langer

WATCHUNG, NJ — Margo Langer is one of the six candidates running for election in the contested 2018 Watchung School Board election being held on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

There are three three-year seats up for grabs on the board. Candidates include: Dorie Harvey, Margo Langer, George Colonias, Jessica Ingrassia, Richard Buccarelli and Rhea Qualls Williams.

Margo Langer

My name is Margo Langer and I am running for a position on the Watchung Board of Education. I was born and raised in Brooklyn and then Neponsit, New York. I graduated from Cornell University with a degree in consumer economics and received my law degree from the University of Miami. My practice was in corporate law with a specialty in corporate finance. My husband Dave and I moved to Watchung from New York City 15 years ago. We were drawn to Watchung because of the community spirit, the physical beauty of the area and the strength of the public schools. We fell in love with the community and our two daughters have thrived in our district.

I was appointed to the school board in the spring of 2013 and then was elected to a three year term. I have served as the President of the School Board since January.

As the daughter of two retired New York City public school teachers, I understand the power of learning and the importance of parent involvement in education. I have been actively involved in the Watchung PTO for the entire tenure of my children’s education. I have served in many capacities, including, volunteering as the Co-Chair of the Bayberry School Holiday Boutique for several years, working as a food sales server and as a class parent for almost 10 years, and providing help to other PTO fundraising causes when help was needed. I have also served on the School Safety/School Climate Team since 2012.

During my tenure on the School Board, and especially during my term as President, I have worked diligently to ensure that the School Board listens to and hears the voices of community stakeholders while actively engaging in review of programs and policies that support student learning. I have worked to improve existing programs, adding new programs such as our new autism classes, replacing our outgoing administrators with outstanding new personnel, making improvements to safety and security protocols and equipment, and working to maintain our facilities in a cost effective way using grants when possible.

I have placed a particularly strong emphasis on improving communications (including quality and quantity of information and transparency) between the community, administrators, teachers, staff and the School Board and enhancing accountability at all levels of our district.

I believe that my experience as a member of the School Board and the wealth of knowledge and experience I have gained about the workings of the School Board and our district through extensive training, serving on the School Board, and working with two different administrations, puts me in an elevated position to continue the strong improvements being implemented in our district.

I look forward to listening, hearing and working with the community, the staff and the School Board to help make our District the best place to educate every child!

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

(Image provided: Margo Langer)

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