Election 2020: Sparta School Board Candidate Christa Sorensen

NEW JERSEY - In a few short weeks what is expected to be one of the most charged elections in modern history is set to take place and Patch has asked local candidates to share their thoughts before the Nov. 3 election.

Editor's Note: Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the county clerk. The responses received will be published between now and the general election. Candidates who would like to participate but did not receive one (for whatever reason) can contact Russ.Crespolini@patch.com.

Candidates were asked these questions:

1. Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?
2. The single most pressing issue facing our school district and what you intend to do about it:
3. That are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve on the school board? If unopposed, describe the issues that define your campaign platform.
4. What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective on the school board?
5. Recovering from COVID-19 is going to put a significant financial strain on the schools. With so much of our tax dollars going to support them. But cuts will still be needed. Where do you see room for budget improvement? What things will you go to the mat to defend?
6. The COVID-19 pandemic has put into focus the issue of mandatory vaccinations. If such a movement gains traction, where do you stand on the issue for your community?

What you see below is what was received with mild style edits.

• Name: Christa Sorensen
• Campaign Contact name: Christa Sorensen for Sparta BOE
• Previous elective office, if any: N/A
• Education: Iona College, Bachelors of Business Administration and Marketing
• Occupation: 14 years in Marketing Management, currently a real estate agent serving Sussex & Morris Counties
• Fun Fact: I love to sing
• What inspires you: My children inspire me to continue to improve and grow to be the best version of myself.

Why are you seeking a seat on the school board?

Sparta is a very special place to live and a wonderful place to raise a family. I am seeking this volunteer position because I want to be a voice for our community and someone that they can put their trust in. I want to give back to our town by ensuring that all Sparta students receive the best education possible and that they are prepared for the world after high school. I want to foster strong board member relationships with the school administration, the residents and township.

The single most pressing issue facing our school district is _______?

This is a tough question to answer because there are several areas where there is room for improvement including efficient budget management to reduce redundancy and waste of our tax dollars, questions around student achievement and concerns regarding the current state of our elementary school facilities.

I believe the single most pressing issue facing our district right now is the hiring of Sparta’s next superintendent. He or she will serve as Sparta’s chief education officer. Public forums where we can receive specific input from the community, staff and other school administrators are key. These stakeholders should have a voice in this process in order to find the right fit for our town. So many parents are willing and able to share their thoughts on this monumental decision. We need our next Superintendent to be a leader who will be vested in Sparta’s growth and development. Someone who wants to make a difference in our district. The RIGHT chief administrative officer MUST have an understanding of what our most pressing issues are and how to navigate us through them successfully!

If we don’t make the right decision, the negative effects of Superintendent turnover could be felt for years which hurts our long-range vision, staff morale and infrastructure.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking to serve on the school board?

I am running as an individual candidate, because I am a free thinker who makes decisions based on reason. I will not rubber stamp policies or proposals without taking the time to ask questions and understand the resolution that I am voting on. I believe the value of a strong board of education is diversity amongst its members. Being able to look an issue from all sides and to ask questions from different perspectives is important.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you will be effective on the school board?

While managing the marketing and sales relationships with some of the country’s largest big box retailers, I managed multi-million-dollar marketing budgets and developed strategic marketing plans. Most importantly, my role required me to be an effective communicator. I am skilled at building and maintaining collaborative relationships with internal and external professional partners. I demonstrated strong leadership and management skills through interactions across all functions and departments. These skills are easily transferable to the role of board of education member.

What things will you go to the mat to defend?

I would go to the mat to defend our special education programs as well as the arts.

On November 3rd, Vote #1 Christa Sorensen for Trust, Collaboration, Community!

Since the change to this year's election was announced by Murphy, there have been many questions about how the process will work. Below is some further reading on the Nov. 3 election process:

• Here's How NJ's Mail-In General Election Will Work: What To Know

A primarily vote-by-mail election means a lot of changes to election day. See what you can expect this November.

• What's A NJ Provisional Ballot? How Does It Work? Patch Found Out

Those not needing an ADA compliant booth will need a provisional ballot to vote in-person. Here is what that will look like.

• Do Mail-In Ballots Force NJ Voters To Lie? Here's The Answer

There was language on the primary ballots asked voters certify they requested the ballot, even if they didn't.

• How Are Election Signatures Verified In NJ? Patch Found Out

Voters wondering how their signatures are checked before the upcoming election can see the process for themselves.

• How To Register, Track Your General Election Vote Online In NJ

Need to register for the upcoming election? Want to track your vote once you do? Read on to learn how.

• Key 2020 Voting Deadlines In New Jersey

Here is a recap of important dates to remember with upcoming election, all in one place.

• NJ: Get A Wrong Or Duplicate Ballot? It Is Probably Your Fault

Confusion and concern has reigned as ballots arrive, here Patch got some answers from a county clerk.

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