Franklin Lakes BOE Trustee Endorses 3 For Election

Franklin Lakes Community,

A year ago, my name was on the ballot for the Franklin Lakes Board of Education, and I am humbled by the trust the community placed in me by electing me to serve on the Board. As a parent of young children, I attended various public session meetings and listened to podcasts to understand the strategy and debate regarding the annual budget, the possibility of re-districting, and the pros and cons of changing our kindergarten from a modified to full-day schedule. There were instances that I felt I would have liked more information, and I listened to people who proclaimed that the Board lacked transparency and had ulterior motives for their decisions. I even began to wonder whether the Board operated in the best interests of the students.

Now, seated at the table, I realize how wrong I was. There are no hidden agendas or conspiracy theories at work. The current Board of Education is a group of dedicated, intelligent individuals who volunteer a great amount of time to bring their experience and passion for education to the questions they ask and the decisions they make. Although we don’t agree on everything, we possess a respect for one another that allows us to routinely debate, come to a consensus, and move forward, always putting the needs of the Franklin Lakes students first. With another election on Tuesday, I felt compelled to highlight three members who are up for reelection.

Amanda Krakowiak maintains a passionate dedication for our schools, and she has strong ties to the Franklin Lakes community. As the mother of young children, Amanda also grew up in town, and she serves on the Board of the High Mountain Road School PTA. Vicki Holst is the parent to middle school aged children, and she has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to our schools. Jackie Veliky brings years of experience and a wealth of information to our discussions, often providing the ‘history’ needed to understand the complexities of an issue. None of these candidates possess a conflict of interest in terms of relationships with personnel in the district that would preclude them from fully serving on this Board. I have witnessed repeatedly their care for the quality of education for all our students. They are interested in settling the contract with teachers, maintaining focus on student achievement in the classroom, and beginning the process of hiring a permanent Superintendent. I am proud to call them my fellow Trustees.

Ann Kraemer

Franklin Lakes, NJ

I currently serve as a member of the Franklin Lakes Board of Education and this represents my own opinion and is not written on behalf of the Franklin Lakes Board of Education.