JACKSON – Three residents are running for two three-year terms on the Jackson School District Board of Education in the Nov. 7 election.
The candidates are Sharon Dey, Elenor Hannum and Tara Rivera.
Dey is a current member of the board and served for almost a decade before leaving for a short time prior to being appointed to an open seat this year. She is the general manager of Retro Fitness of Jackson.
Dey said she has experience with contract negotiations and the school budget. She said that as a board member, she helped to keep the budget under the 2 percent tax levy cap, established a full-day kindergarten program, established STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), business, fine arts, performing arts and digital media academies.
She said she continued support of the district’s Air Force Junior ROTC program, expanded advanced placement and honors programs, established full financial transparency, instituted non-tax revenue streams such as solar energy generation and advertising on district buses, worked closely with the Special Education Advisory Council and been active on the Strategic Planning Committee which addresses the financial, curriculum, safety and facilities needs of the district.
“Jackson has been a cohesive board that advocates for students and protects taxpayers. Jackson has been cited by the state as being in the top 10 percent of the state for transparency to taxpayers, compliance with state law, and providing taxpayers with exceptional value,” Dey said.
Hannum is a lifelong resident of Jackson and a 1982 graduate of Jackson Memorial High School. She has been active in PTA, coached Pop Warner cheer and organized high school cheer competitions and fundraisers.
Hannum is a special education teacher in history at East Brunswick High School. She said she works to instill mutual respect with her students and colleagues, successfully collaborates with administrators, co-teachers and a case management team to address a student’s specific needs, designing strategies and maintaining parental involvement throughout a child’s education.
More recently, Hannum said, she has been an advocate for responsible and ethical government in Jackson, speaking at municipal meetings about issues that matter to residents and the quality of life in their neighborhoods.
“I am a strong advocate for children and taxpayers in Jackson. I have watched my property taxes increase by over $1,000 in the past five years and wish to ensure long-term financial sustainability and to make certain our tax dollars are being spent effectively and ensuring that we accomplish the best outcomes,” Hannum said.
Rivera has lived in Jackson for 23 years. She has worked as a teacher for 11 years.
She said her community involvement includes serving as a court appointed special advocate, member of the Providence House Domestic Violence Response Team, DART Coalition of Ocean County (reducing substance abuse), Statewide Parent Advocacy Network resource parent, Jackson Special Education Advisory Committee and Jackson Special Education Parent Advisory Group.
“I have seen the significant dynamics of this community shift overall. I understand the diversity, school climate, complexity, overall governing body, missions, technology, extracurricular activities, needs, collaboration efforts, assessments, data, overall school departments, litigation, curriculum tools and budgets.
“I bring to the platform my resourcefulness of networks, dedication and expertise as a team member. I embrace diversity and have an appreciation for all cultures. Every child deserves to be educated with the appropriate supports, along with highly qualified staff to support them,” Rivera said.
