Westfield Board Of Education 2025: Mary Wickens

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield's school board election on April 15 has four candidates running for three open seats on the Board of Education.

Incumbent Mary Wickens is running for one of the three, three-year seats. Opposing candidates include incumbents Robert Benacchio and Kristen Sonnek Schmelz and newcomer Violetta Watson.

Are you running for school board in Westfield? Contact Alexis Tarrazi at alexis.tarrazi@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Westfield Patch.

Mary Wickens

• Age: 53
• Town of residence: Westfield
• Position sought: Westfield BOE Member
• Family: Husband, Steve and children Riley, Ray, and Dan & his wife, Kylie
• Education: B.A., M.A. in Elementary & Special Education from Kean University; LDT-C certification from Rutgers
• Occupation: Child Study Team LDT-C & Case Manager at Piscataway Township Public Schools
• Previous or current elected appointed office: Westfield BOE Member 2021-present
• Campaign website: Instagram @marywickens4westfieldboe

Why are you seeking re-election to the Board of Education?

It has been impressive to see the growth that our board members, superintendent, administrators, teachers and students have made these past few years. As a long-time resident, I am proud of the work we have done on the board with Dr. Gonzalez to increase community engagement, communication, create new programs, retain superior staff and offer options for our children's future. I am dedicated to continuing that work for the community and helping our school district steer the proposed referendum as well as the new block scheduling at the high school and intermediate levels. My three years of experience being a board member would be of great value in navigating these new changes. Being on the board also gives me a chance to give back to my community that I have lived in my entire life.

How do you feel about offering full-day kindergarten in Westfield?

It has been a long time coming! As an educator, I can attest to the enormous benefit of a full-day program for Kindergarteners in regards to their academic, social and emotional growth. As a working parent, I also appreciate how valuable a full-day program would be in terms of easing the financial burden of aftercare. I am grateful that the administration and board were able to put together the referendum for full-day Kindergarten that allows the entire Westfield community to decide their vote on it's need and importance to our younger students and their families.

What would you like to see improved in the school district?

There is some building improvements being introduced in the referendum, but there is so much more that needs to be addressed. We are fortunate to live in an advantaged and outstanding district with talented staff that provides high-quality education. Our classrooms, buildings, fields, and infrastructure should reflect our exemplary reputation and provide a safe, clean and updated environment for our staff and students.

What other issues would you like to tackle if elected to the Board of Ed?

For one, I'm excited to see the work continue with bringing our special education students that are out of district, and if able to, come back to district in the newly developed programs. Having these students taught alongside their friends, neighbors and peers creates a cohesive educational community in a less restrictive educational environment.
In addition, continuing to discuss how best to provide safe school environments for our students and staff in regards to cell phone use, AI, and social media in the context of harassment and bullying is also extremely important to me as a parent an educator.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

Two of my fellow candidates, Rob and Kristen, who are also also seeking re-election with me can bring the experience and understanding needed to keep the momentum of positive change going within the district.

On a more uncertain topic, I am also concerned for the future of the Department of Education. NJ receives significant federal aid for low-income students and those with disabilities. The agency also has an Office for Civil Rights to protect students from harassment and discrimination, which, if eliminated, could have a devastating effect on our children. These are just a few examples of why I feel it is incredibly important to continue the stability, cohesiveness and expertise of the current board members, including myself.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself or your campaign?

First, I am thankful to the other candidates who have volunteered to run for the board. It is a difficult role, and I applaud them all for deciding to serve the school community.
To the community - I appreciate the commitment of the many parents, students and grandparents that write to us or attend the board meetings to better understand the process of their children's education and express their views, concerns, and ideas. It has been an honor to serve my fellow neighbors, community and schools, and I hope to continue! Thank you!