Lawrence Township BOE Election 2023: Diana Pasculli

LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — Lawrence Township voters will choose from a list of 4 new and returning candidates when they cast their ballots for the Board of Education this November.

Diana Pasculli is running for a seat on the same slate with Michele Bowes and Arundel Clarke. A Lawrence resident, Pasculli has two children currently in the school system. She has a Masters degree in Education from Fordham University and Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School.

Pasculli is seeking to help students who are still affected by COVID-19 disruptions and are struggling in school.

This year's election will take place Nov. 7.

Name: Diana Pasculli

Town of residence: Lawrence, NJ

Position sought: School Board

Family: Proud mom of two - one at Lawrence Elementary School and one at Lawrence Intermediate School

Education: Master of Science in Education from Fordham University; Juris Doctor from Rutgers Law School; and Bachelor of Arts from Smith College, with a major in psychology.

Previous or current elected appointed office: None

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

Why are you seeking to run for School Board?

I am running for Lawrence Township School Board because I admire the work occurring in our community and I would like to play a more active role in making sure our strategic plan is implemented successfully. I joined the "Students First" slate with Michele Bowes and Arundel Clarke so we can work together and remain focused on our students.

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

Our Lawrence public schools do offer students incredible educational experiences, but persistent performance gaps, which may have been exacerbated during the COVID pandemic, do exist. The district has a strong strategic plan that sets forth a path forward and clear goals for our students’ academic success and well-being. If these important goals are met, we will provide more equitable educational opportunities for all 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?

I believe that if the district achieves the goals in the strategic plan, which focuses on academics, mental health, and diversity, we will be helping our students who need the most help and who were most affected by COVID-19 disruptions. As board members, it will be our responsibility to make sure we are prioritizing these needs and that our students who need the most support will get the most help. For example, we already know that following COVID disruptions, our early elementary students struggled with reading more than prior cohorts of students. We also know some of our students need more mental health resources than ever before so they feel and are healthy, safe, and ready to learn. Along with my board colleagues, I will continue to make sure our students have additional supports like tutoring, and special summer and after-school programming as well as provide professional development to help our teachers continue to support all students even as their needs are changing.

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

I believe the strategic plan addresses the key issues and our work can and will be strengthened by continually improving our feedback loops and lines of communication across the district. As an engaged parent, I have observed the district making large strides in this area, notably by implementing the "Talking Points" application to improve communication home in various languages and by conducting community conversations throughout last spring. I look forward to supporting the district leaders as they continue to expand communication and to engage families, educators, and community members throughout the year.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I have dedicated my entire career to education– starting as a teacher and later transitioning to work on statewide educational laws and policies. In every role, I have worked to continuously improve the educational opportunities for all students.

What else would you like to share about yourself or your campaign?

Over the last several weeks, we have engaged with hundreds of our neighbors throughout Lawrence, including parents who have students in the district, recently graduated, or graduated many years ago. Across these many conversations, I was excited to learn that so many residents here believe in our public schools and believe we are on the right path. These conversations have been such an honor. I look forward to continuing to engage with our community and collaborate with all members of the school board to put all of our students first.