Take Five: Westfield School Board Candidate Amy Root

WESTFIELD, NJ — There are seats opening up on the Westfield Board of Education and Patch caught up with the candidates ahead of the general election this November.

Questionnaires were sent out out to all candidates registered with the County Clerk's Office in the 2019 general election using the email addresses they went on file with. The responses will be posted on the site by those who submitted in the order in which they were received. They will also be included in an election preview wrap.

This Take Five features Amy Root. Her responses to the questions are below and unedited.

1. Why are you running for BOE?

I am running for BOE because I value the role of public education in our society, and my family has benefited from the strength of the Westfield schools. I am at a point in my life where I have time to volunteer, understand the role of a board member, and feel I have a good temperament for the job.

2. What is the biggest challenge facing schools in your town, and how will you address it?

I think the biggest challenge is the pressure to manage rising costs (healthcare, transportation, out of district placements) while trying to stay under the 2% cap on annual budget increases. I think we need to work more cooperatively with our legislators to find a better way to minimize the tax burden on our citizens while not stifling innovation and investment in our schools.

3. What three words would you use to describe yourself to someone who has never met you?

Observant, loyal, curious

4. What experience in your background has prepared you to be an effective leader?

Being a parent has shown me the importance of patience and of the need to invest time and energy to achieve a desired outcome. As a PTO Co-President at Wilson Elementary and Roosevelt Intermediate Schools, I learned how to help manage and direct interested and involved parents and stakeholders. And as a board member for the past 3.5 years, including 10 months as board VP, I have learned the value of respecting the expertise of our district's trained professionals and listening carefully to concerns and feedback from constituents.

5. Tell me something about you, like hobbies or interests, that have nothing to do with the campaign.

I am a lifelong "cat person" whose family recently got their first dog, a Labrador puppy, this past winter. Being "Archer's mother" has brought me outside my comfort zone, metaphorically and literally, as I learn what makes our dog tick and how much exercise he needs, no matter the weather! Although it is challenging, I think it is important to keep learning and remaining open to new experiences no matter how old you are.

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