April Farrell: Garwood School Board Candidate

GARWOOD, NJ — The Garwood School Board has four candidates vying for four seats in the upcoming election on Nov. 2.

April Farrell is one of the candidates running with the slogan "Children First". The other candidates running for the three, three-year seats on the board include:

• Jennifer Uva
• Salvatore Piarulli

One candidate is also running for one, two-year unexpired seat:

• Tracey Roland (Integrity Positivity Results)

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

April Farrell

Name: April Farrell

Age: 36

Town of residence: Garwood

Position sought: Board Member

Family: Lance, John (7), Violet (4), Lucy (2)

Education: Bachelor of Arts, English, Kean University

Occupation: I am currently a homemaker.

Previous or current elected appointed office: N/A

Why are you seeking to run for school board? I am a passionate parent, experienced educator, and committed community member who has a strong desire to be actively involved in my children's educational experience. My natural bent toward problem-solving has been a motivating factor in fulfilling the proverbial phrases of "putting my money where my mouth is" and "getting my hands dirty" by working to create constructive change rather than wallow in frustrations or complaints about our schools. As a member of the Garwood Board of Education, I believe I can expand my influence as a representative of parents who are seeking to pursue positive outcomes.

My oldest is in the second grade and I have made every effort to support his learning in these foundational years — volunteering as class parent the last two years and now as a member of the PTA Board. As a former teacher, myself, I have a strong passion for advocating for students. Seeing that their emotional, psychological and educational needs are met while inside the classroom has always been my top priority. Now that I have taken on the role of a mother of three, these desires have only intensified. I am confident that I can expand this focus to the benefit of all the children in our town.

One of my primary goals is to concentrate on the partnership between our schools and families. I believe this is imperative to ensuring our district continues to thrive. We must improve our strategies for formulating good communication and transparency between stakeholders. This should include the voice of the children. So often it seems we are unintentionally preoccupied by the interests and needs of the adults in this dialog, that our children fail to be heard. If elected, I can assure you that I will always prioritize their needs.

I enjoy being challenged and strategizing to find solutions. I believe I have the energy and stamina necessary to make the difficult decisions required for our school community. My primary interest in this role is in the protection and prosperity of our kids. I want to see all the children of Garwood public schools succeed emotionally, physically and academically!

What is your stance on masks in schools? I respect the state mandate currently in place, but I believe we should maintain the understanding that this may not be a simple, universal solution for every child and parent. As the situation progresses, it is my hope that we can allow for a wider range of personal choices. I trust that Garwood families will make informed decisions after conducting a cost/benefit analysis of the research and how it pertains to their individual situation.

Should schools offer a virtual option? Technology is an amazing resource. I’m thankful that we have the capability to offer a virtual platform to our students when, and if, necessary. During this season of COVID protocol when students are often unable to attend class due to exposure or symptoms, I maintain that virtual school should be one of the tools available as an in-person alternative in order to maintain continuity.

What other issues do you feel must be tackled in the school district? The repercussions of a global pandemic has resulted in significant damage to the lives of our children. We often call them "resilient"; we often call them "brave"; but if we stop for a moment and truly pay attention, it’s clear they are all struggling in some way. We must recognize that simply because they are not complaining or expressing their needs does not mean they are unaffected. It is important for our school community, as a whole, to be innovative and strategic about navigating both a physically and emotionally healthy learning environment for our children as we work to move forward. Garwood has the opportunity to serve as a leader in the future as we rebuild our education system, develop our town, and welcome new residents. I hope we can maintain the small-town, nurturing setting for our students while we look toward the many exciting changes that are sure to come in the near future.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates? My background in education provides me with knowledge of the school system and how it operates. This, paired with my role as a mother, allows me to see our children as more than just their student ID number, but rather as part of the next generation that will shape our world. I can wholeheartedly say my vote will always be one that is in their best interest.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign? I have been a lifelong resident of Union County and have lived in Garwood for almost a decade. I am well connected in the community as I have made it a personal goal to remain highly approachable. In fact, this is one of my favorite features of our town. It is a hidden gem filled with wonderful, caring people. I think Garwood is often overlooked being nestled between Westfield and Cranford, but it is a true gem with incredible realized and unrealized potential. I am looking forward to continuing my mission of supporting the families here by listening with compassion and empathy while allowing them the opportunity to remain informed. I know that together we can continue to make this a special place with the schools as our center. Good leaders lead by example and I intend to do that to the best of my ability.