Jennifer Uva: Garwood School Board Candidate

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

Jennifer Uva is one of the candidates running. The other candidates running for the three, three-year seats on the board include:

• April Farrell (Children First)
• Salvatore Piarulli

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

• Tracey Roland (Integrity Positivity Results)

Are you running for office in Clark or 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.

Jennifer Uva

Name: Jennifer Uva

Age: 41

Town of residence: Garwood, NJ

Position sought: Board Member

Family: Son, Marcello Uva – (age: 7); Husband, Michael Uva (age: 40) Director, Research Donor Programs within Pharmaceutical.

Education: Bachelors of Arts, International Hospitality and Tourism (graduated 2004), Fairleigh Dickinson University

Occupation: Project Manager at CEC Research in Cranford, NJ

Previous or current elected appointed office: N/A

Why are you seeking to run for school board? For our 364 Garwood students. PERIOD. My first utmost reason and priority for running for school board.

Our kids need GENUINE representatives that can thrive in an environment of collaborative relationships where all stakeholders are welcome to participate in the development of a high performing school district.

What is your stance on masks in schools? It's not about the MASKING and UNMASKING kids that is the issue here, what I don't agree with is the fact that we are just "checking a box" just to demonstrate that we are following the "rules and regulations". We should be working together and asking the Parents and Teachers "WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU", "DOES IT MAKE SENSE" or "HOW CAN WE WORK TOGETHER TO FIND SOLUTIONS OR ALTERNATIVE WAYS" to ensure our kids and teachers/staff can have a safe and comfortable environment while attending to our kids while in school.

Should schools offer a virtual option? Yes, of course! All children should have an option of joining virtually when it comes to learning during this time (COVID).

Our children's education should never be compromised just because they are unable to attend school in person. We live in the new age of Technology and Social Media. We should use them to our full advantage!

What other issues do you feel must be tackled in the school district? To ensure transparency and accountability as it relates to selecting and/or appointing school officials and staff, as well as the school budget.

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates? I strongly believe my running mates are not a challenge, but as Partners with common attributes in all of us. We are passionate parents with the same interests and values at heart. We all have children within the school district and are parents who would go and beyond to ensure what is in the best interest of the students to ultimately help make a difference for our future generation.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign? With over 18 years of corporate experience in Administration & Operation, Project Management, and Communication experience and skills within the Finance industry, specifically in Technology, Data Management & Analytics. I have confidence and am ready to apply these professional skills to serve as a member best I can.