Cynthia Field Ruggiero Long Valley School Board Candidate

LONG VALLEY, NJ — The Washington Township Schools Board of Education has a contested election this fall, with five candidates who filed to run for three available, three-year seats.

Cynthia Field Ruggiero is one those candidates who put her hat into the ring.

The other candidates on the ballot include:

• José Lourenço
• Walter Curioni
• Robert A. Waskis Jr.
• Carmine Capogrosso

Editor's Note: Are you a candidate on the ballot? Patch sent out emails to all candidates to the email addresses listed for their campaign provided to the office of the 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) may contact jennifer.miller@patch.com.

Name: Cynthia Field Ruggiero

Town of residence: Long Valley, Washington Twp., Morris County

Position sought:K-8 Board of Education

Family: Married to Peter Ruggiero, 3 married children who grew up in Long Valley and still reside in Long Valley with 10 grandchildren

Education: BS in Physical Education K-12 : Certified K-8 Elementary Education

Occupation: Former teacher in the West Morris Regional School District & Bernardsville Middle School. Currently Real Estate Professional for 30 years.

Previous or current elected appointed office: West Morris Regional Board of Education Member

Why are you seeking to run for school board?

As a 40 year resident and business woman of Long Valley, I have the moral compass and vision to work alongside the parents, administrators, teachers and community to lead our schools. I am use to making tough decisions which affect me every day by the nature of my business and living in this beautiful town.

What is your stance on masks in schools?

Although we are under an executive order from our governor at this moment, I believe masks should be the decision of the parents.

Should schools offer a virtual option?

Only for children who are physically or mentally incapable of coming to school who would miss more than a week of school and have a doctor’s note. Example: Broken leg, a virus, loss of a loved one due to death. Just so they do not fall behind.

What other issues do you feel must be tackled in the school district?

Leadership at the Board of Education Level with decisions made proactively, not reactively. Better communication, horizontally between the 3 elementary schools/middle school. Vertical articulation, academically, between the Middle School and West Morris Central High School. Updated and new outdoor facilities at the Middle School to promote physical, mental, emotional and academic learning. Last but not least address the very low percentage 64% in both reading and math in our 4 schools, pre covid (2018/2019). My question…where is it now!

What sets you apart from the challenging candidates?

My experience of serving on the West Morris Regional School Board for 8 years whereby the IB program was just being implemented in the late 1990’s. I was a big proponent of the fencing and ice hockey programs which were requested and developed during my tenure. During my career in Long Valley as a real estate professional, I have worked with buyers and sellers from all walks of life, during all times of transition and the one common denominator has been the schools. There have been recent concerns at the K-8 level I would like to see improved.

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

As a part of our team, CINDY FIELD-RUGGIERO, WALTER CURIONI and ROB WASKIS, have the right mix to gather knowledge, assess the information then execute a plan of action. In conclusion, my vision for the future is clear… We are problem solvers!

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.