Livingston School Board Candidate Profile: Ronnie Spring

Three candidates are vying for two seats on the Livingston Board of Education as voters go to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5. 

Why are you running for a seat on the Livingston Board of Education?

It is with great pride that I announce I am seeking re-election to the Livingston Board of Education. 

I have had the distinct honor of serving the community during the past three and a half years, and it has been immeasurably rewarding to work alongside my fellow board members and Livingston Public Schools superintendent and staff.

What makes you qualified for the position? 

As a graduate of Livingston High School, a father of three children (a fifth- and first-grader at Harrison School, and a nine-month-old), and a school administrator, my concern for the academic and personal growth of every student guides me and is a part of my life on a daily basis. 

Moreover, my professional experience as an educator and an attorney and my personal interest in our children’s experiences provide me with a unique perspective that I will continue to bring to my work on the board. 

What are the biggest challenges facing the school district in your opinion and what school-related issues would you focus on if you were elected?

As a board member, one must make policy decisions in the best interests of all children in a fiscally responsible manner. With the changes in leadership, my continuing role with Dr. Alfieri, Livingston's new superintendent, and three new board members would offer continuity for our school community’s important work together. 

Setting goals for the new superintendent and putting a strategic plan in place will ensure that all of our students continue to have the opportunity to succeed in Livingston public schools and beyond.

When we hired Alfieri, we encouraged him to work with our educational leaders and evaluate our academic programs and ensure that they provide the necessary rigor for all students. 

As an important first step, our newly hired K-8 math supervisor, who along with our teachers, will identify concerns and thoroughly review and assess piloted math programs to ensure a superior math curriculum and instruction at the primary levels. 

Alfieri’s review will also include a thorough analysis of the collapse of CP and elective designations at the high school, the K-8 language arts programs, and the elementary school six-day rotation for specials such as Spanish and art.

Moreover, over the past several years, Livingston schools have created exemplary special education programs and we are looking to create more programs to enable us to educate our students among their peers. All students have different strengths and challenges and we must ensure that we provide them with the best educational, social, and emotional opportunities for growth. 

Leslie Winograd and I am proud of what our schools offer because of the dedication of our administrators, teachers, and staff, the interest of our parents and children in their education, and the support of a community that continues to put education first.  

We believe that the success of each student equals success for all Livingston residents. As such, we would like to work with you to continue to grow and improve so that we can ensure success for all.

Please contact me or Leslie Winograd with any ideas or questions at rspring@livingston.org or lwinograd@livingston.org or visit our Facebook page at Spring and Winograd for Livingston Board of Education.