Take Five: Westfield School Board Candidate Michael Bielen

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 Michael Bielen. His responses to the questions are below and unedited.

1. Why are you running for BOE?

We have an excellent school district. I have personally seen how my children have grown both educationally and socially within the district and I know I made the right decision moving to Westfield 20 years ago and enrolling them in our schools.
However, we cannot sit idle. Are we doing enough from a security standpoint to keep our children and teachers safe? Does our curriculum align with the jobs of the future? What are we doing to improve student achievement? Are we innovating and introducing new technology offerings? Should we have a one-laptop for everyone initiative? Is full day kindergarten the best use of our funds in educating our students? Are we being fiscally responsible with our spending that affect our property tax payers and most importantly the lifelong seniors in our community?

I have had these and many other conversations with parents and residents. We need the strong leadership that I provide to represent our Town. We need someone who continues to be a voice for the Board. I provide this voice on behalf our residents, parents and students even when my opinion differs from the general consensus of the Board.

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

The challenges of the Board are many and continue to evolve each year. The incident of a Delaware man bringing a handgun into a Westfield school was a wake-up call that we need to do more regarding security. The Board has already started addressing these issues with new security procedures, installation of new doors in the high school and security gates.

Areas I plan to focus on from a security perspective include:

Small Group Security Sessions - Coordinating small group sessions between the BOE, the district’s security consultant Stonegate and the NJ Office of Emergency Management to listen to students, parents and teachers at all grade levels. The teams need to hear their ideas and concerns regarding security in our schools and develop a prioritized list of initiatives that the full board can evaluate, prioritize and budget.

Closing Schools on Election Day - If the Union County Board of Elections is unable to provide suitable alternative polling locations for Edison, Roosevelt and Wilson, all schools should be closed for Election and Primary days. When possible, we should have referendum and budget votes on Election Day to align with security procedures, eliminate the costs of special elections and ensure we have the greatest voter participation.

Implementing Smart Security Technology – Further integration of smart technology including alerts when external doors are left open, motion sensors in prohibited areas, implementing the smart door technology installed at the high school at the intermediate and middle schools and reviewing the benefits of a visitor management system.

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

Responsive 2) Balanced 3) Logical

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

Working in global IT consulting, I have used my business analysis and project management expertise to evaluate and make recommendations on curriculum and technology. I want to ensure students are prepared to enter a constantly evolving digital economy. My previous experience as a partner in an interactive marking firm also helps me identify and recommend new communication strategies for the district.

As a current Board Member, I have served on the Curriculum (former chair), Technology (current chair), Facilities committees, PTSO liaison for both McKinley and Edison schools and a two-year Trustee for the Westfield Memorial Library. I have worked to review costs to keep our taxes in check while fully supporting new ongoing security enhancements, facility renovations and technology upgrades.

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

I love to travel with my family. I consider myself somewhat of an expert in optimizing
the use of travel points for travel. I am also very involved in the Westfield community. At Saint Helen’s Church, I have served as a lector for 20 years and multiple years as director of the Men’s Cornerstone program. I am currently co-chair for the 2020 Service Auction. I am also involved in
supporting technology for the Town of Westfield including the Town website and social media sites. Most recent initiatives I have been involved include the Raritan Valley Mayor’s Collation and AddamsFest.

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