Lawrence Township Board Of Education Election 2023: Michele Bowes

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – For the past eight years, Michele Bowes has served on the Lawrence Board of Education.

A social worker, Bowes has worked to increase mental health support for all students post-COVID-19 and has focused on diversity and inclusion in the district.

In a Q&A with Patch, she talks about why she should be re-elected as a member of the BOE.

This year’s election will be held on Tuesday, Nv. 7. Early voting has already begun. Click here for our voter guide.

Name: Michele Bowes

Town of residence: Lawrenceville

Position sought: Board of Education Member

Family: Married, two children - one currently at LHS and one graduated

Education: BA in Psychology from NYU and MSW from Columbia University

Occupation: Social Worker

Previous or current elected appointed office: Current BOE Member since 2015

Campaign website: https://dmpasculli.wixsite.com/studentsfirst

Why are you seeking to run for School Board?

I believe in the power of public education and it is our duty to ensure that every child in our community has the opportunity to thrive academically, emotionally and socially. I am running for re-election for the school board with three pillars of focus: mental health, diversity and most importantly, academic excellence. I am honored to have served on the LTPS BOE since 2015 and my two children attended all Lawrence schools. I am proud of our schools and district, we have been through a lot of challenges over the years and I know we are doing well and we can still do better. I have been a part of increasing the mental health support for all students post-COVID-19, led the committee in the search for a new superintendent, and have focused on diversity and inclusion to create a sense of belonging for all students and staff. I believe these are the key elements to improve academic achievement. I am aware of the many obstacles we face in our district and all the challenges that students are dealing with today and I am committed to doing what is best for kids and contributing to the success of our district. Along with Arundel Clarke and Diana Pasculli (Student First) we will continue to best serve our students and district.

What according to you is the biggest issue facing the school district currently? How do you plan to tackle it?

The challenges facing our students today are more complex than ever before and it is our responsibility to provide them with the tools and resources they need so no child feels alone or unsupported. Our educators need access to appropriate training that equips them to recognize and address the mental health needs of our students.

The effects of COVID-19 are still seen in the form of student performances. What's your plan to help the most vulnerable students struggling in school right now?

Supporting students academically post-COVID-19 is crucial to help them catch up on any learning gaps and ensure their continued academic success. Some of the strategies that I believe we need to focus on include - assessing learning loss, personalized learning plans, professional development, continued social and emotional support, more parent/guardian involvement, and data tracking and progress monitoring. Every student is unique, and the support they need may vary. It's essential to maintain a flexible and student-centered approach to academic support post-COVID-19 to ensure all students have the opportunity to thrive academically.

What issues do you feel are not being adequately tackled in the district?

LTPS is a diverse community with various communication preferences, it's essential to adopt a multifaceted approach to ensure that information reaches everyone effectively. We have been successful in getting multilingual communications to the community, utilizing digital and traditional channels as well as providing culturally sensitive communications. We need to continually assess effectiveness and be as streamlined as possible.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

With over 8 years of experience on the school board, I have seen the dedication of our teachers, the resilience of our students and the unwavering commitment of our community. I have learned the intricacies of LTPS and I have used that knowledge to make informed decisions that benefit our children and community. The importance of experienced leadership cannot be overstated. I bring not only a deep understanding of our educational system but also a steadfast commitment to our shared values. If re-elected, I will continue to work diligently to advance student achievement, prioritize mental health and promote equity and inclusion on our schools. Together with Arundel Clarke and Diana Pasculli, Students First can achieve greatness.

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