Meet The Candidate: Regina Tarnowski For Barnegat BOE

BARNEGAT, NJ — Tomorrow Barnegat Township will head to the polls and cast their votes for three open seats on the board of education. Patch has asked the candidates to share their thoughts before the Nov. 2 General Election.

This year, 10 candidates are running for three three-year terms.

Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the clerk. The responses received will get published between now and Election Day.

Here is the response from Regina Tarnowski who is running for election.

Age (as of Election Day): 32

Party Affiliation: Non-Partisan

Family: I have Robert who is 8yrs old. Victoria who is 6yrs old. Thomas who is 4 yrs old. Luciana who just turned 1 year old. Mom, Dad, 2 brothers and sister in law all live in Barnegat. Hopefully Grandma moves to Barnegat soon also.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No.

Education: Full time college student, pursuing a degree in elementary education.

Occupation: Sewist - 5 years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: None.

Campaign website: One Barnegat Together

Why are you seeking elective office?

I believe I can be an incredible asset to the BOE. I will be an advocate for parents and children in the community.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing our school district is our test scores. I intend to advocate for more workshops for parents. Both in person, virtual and a database on our parents portal with resources that we, as parents, can use to help our children with what they are currently learning. I believe giving the parents the resources they need to assist in their children’s education is vital.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

There are 10 of us on the ballot. Each of us, in our own way, wants to do what we think is best for the district as a whole. What makes me different? I am a mom, a coach, a leader, an active member in multiple things here in Barnegat. I believe in compromise and hearing what others have to say. I believe the world would be a better place if people genuinely listen to what others had to say.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

There is nothing bad I will say about any current board member, or anyone else running for this position. That would not align with my personal ethics or integrity. I believe we all want what is best for the community, each in our own ways.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I believe the circle of support is where I truly see to best answer this. Support from the community, the educators, and the parents are the only way our students will be able to achieve their goals in life. Giving educators what they need to succeed. Giving parents what they need to help their children succeed. And being transparent and honest with the community, are all vital to the districts success.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I’m a mom of kids in three different elementary schools in the district. I’m a soccer coach for multiple teams, I’m an advocate for sportsmanship and integrity on and off the field. I’m a full time student, I genuinely want to be an educator myself. I’m involved with the VFW Auxiliary. I am an active member of our community.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Even the greatest were once beginners.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I honestly care about our district. I care about our kids. Their opportunities in life start in the classroom. Their spark and love for learning starts with all of us. Kids need to feel safe. Kids need to feel someone has their back. I will be a voice for them, for other parents and the community as a whole.