Election 2023: Laura Wengel For Washington Township School Board

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Long Valley voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for three seats on the local school board.

Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate Laura Wengel.

Editor's Note: Patch emailed all candidates at the email addresses listed for their campaigns in the clerk's office. The responses will be revealed between now and the general election on November 7. These comments will be published with just minor stylistic changes. Candidates who wish to participate but did not receive an invitation should email vianella.burns@patch.com.

Name: Laura Wengel

Age: 57

Town of residence: Washington Township

Family: I live with my husband. Our daughter went through the Washington Twp. and West Morris school systems.

Education: BA English – Hobart and William Smith Colleges; MA English Education – Seton Hall University; Special Education Certification – Rutgers University

Occupation: Teacher

Previous or current elected appointed office: None

Why are you seeking to run for school board?

I am running for a position on the Washington Township School Board because I am a strong advocate of quality public education where students are free to engage in meaningful discussion to enhance their critical thinking skills on all levels.

My family and I made our home in Long Valley in 2007 because we were impressed by the school system and the unique community bonds we shared with our neighbors.

My daughter is a product of the Washington Township Schools and a graduate of West Morris Central Regional High School. I firmly believe that she would not be a successful college graduate without the balanced academic rigor she received at WMC. I am also a proud public school graduate, where I learned to question my assumptions and think critically about my world.

I earned my bachelor’s degree in English from Hobart and William Smith Colleges, a master’s degree in English education from Seton Hall University, and a special education certificate from Rutgers University.

For the past 23 years, I have worked in both public and private education, teaching English and special education. The diversity and level of empathy I have encountered while teaching at public schools in New Jersey have given me a unique insight into the state of public education and how best to collaborate toward a common goal.

As board members, I am hoping that my running mates and I can successfully create a consensus on what our children need and make mindful, balanced decisions regarding their education.

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

The amount of politics that has made its way into local school boards and schools has essentially hamstrung any substantive discussion regarding the education of our children. There also seems to be a lack of understanding in general about how public schools run. I hope to demystify this.

What special qualifications do you bring to help meet the challenge?

Since I am a teacher, I am uniquely qualified to provide accurate insight into what is actually happening in our classrooms and schools.