Election 2022: Elena S. O’Sullivan, Freehold Twp. Board of Education

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP, NJ — Elena S. O’Sullivan is one of six candidates seeking three full-term seats on the Freehold Township Board of Education in the Nov. 8 general electi0n.

In these profiles, candidates provide voters with background about themselves and their positions on the issues, as they see them. Patch is publishing individual profiles leading up to the election and allows candidates to express their views with little editing.

O'Sullivan cites her work as a teacher and school administrator as the reason she wants to bring that experience to the Freehold Township district for another term. "I want to be instrumental in making sure that the teachers and administration have the tools that they need to make all the students in Freehold township productive members of society," she says.

Read more about candidate Elena S. O’Sullivan:

Name: Elena S. O’Sullivan

Age: 63 years old

Town of residence: Freehold Township

Family: My husband Michael and I have been residents of Freehold Township for 32 years. We have one son, Andrew, who attended Freehold Township Elementary schools.

Are you an incumbent?: I am running as an incumbent. I am in my sixth year as a Board of Education member.

Are you running as part of a slate?: I am not running on a slate. I do support Michael Matthews and Jennifer Patton. I have worked with both people, who are very dedicated to the educational system of Freehold Township.

Education and professional credentials: Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Joseph’s University, Brooklyn, in Science and Elementary Education; master's degree (MS Ed.) in Education from Brooklyn College concentrating in Neurological Learning Disabilities; graduate certificate from Long Island University from a National Science Grant in Science and Math education; graduate certificate from the College of Staten Island as a sixth-year professional in Administration and Supervision. I also hold the following licenses in both New York and New Jersey: New York State School Building Administrator; New York State School District Administrator; New York State Special Education K-12; New York State Common Branch N-6; New Jersey Common Branch N-6; New Jersey Special Education K-12.

Why are you running?:

My vision and the reason for seeking re-election to the Board of Education is to bring my experience in education to Freehold Township. I want to be instrumental in making sure that the teachers and administrations have the tools that they need to make all the students in Freehold Township productive members of society.

The students are the primary focus and I see that I have the abilities and the time to help our children grow in their thinking processes as well as aptitude.

Experience:

In July 2014 I retired from the New York City Department of Education. I served New York City for 33 years. For 18 years, I held teaching positions at both the elementary and middle school levels, in the disciplines of science and math.

I was promoted to assistant principal and later principal of a middle school in Brooklyn, and served in this administrative capacity for 15 years.

I believe that my 33 years in public education, together with formal education and continued passion in this field, provide a solid foundation and positions me well to well to serve the students of Freehold Township. I am a seasoned professional who has effectively worked with school administrators, teachers, students and parents to develop a successful school community.

Despite my retirement, I have not left education. I was an adjunct professional with Brooklyn College, CUNY, and served as an active mentor in their Teaching Fellows Program. In this role, I mentored graduate students who are new science teachers in science methodologies.

In addition, and prior to my retirement, I provide consultative services and guidance to parents of students with autism. I assist parents in optimizing the benefits available to their child so that their child achieves the highest level of education. This includes understanding the details of their child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP), the process of maintaining services and gaining additional services if needed.

I have also worked with the Teachers Performance Unit of the Department of Education as a consultant to principals.

Presently I am a consultant for the Brienza Educational Learning Company and provide professional development for teachers and administrators.

Candidates for Freehold Township Board of Education:

Full Term - Vote for Three

• Renata Brand, Parental Knowledge Consent
• Jeffrey D. Williams, Students Before Politics
• Faith Edwards
• Michael Matthews
• Elena S. O'Sullivan, Educator for Education
• Jennifer K. Patten