Election 2022: Sara Kalashian For Chester Board Of Education

CHESTER, NJ — Candidates are set for the Chester K-8 Board of Education race on the Nov. 8 ballot.

In anticipation, Patch sent questionnaires to each of the candidates vying for the open seats on the Board of Education, asking them to share facts about themselves and why voters should choose them to represent the local school district.

Here are candidate Sara Kalashian's answers below:

• Name: Sara Kalashian
• Age: 48
• Town of residence: Chester, NJ
• Position sought: Un-expired One Year Term

• Family: Husband: Kraig, Daughter: Hannah, Son: Simon
• Education: 5-yr Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), Minor: Historic Preservation
• Occupation: Sabbatical from Architecture/Interior Design Profession
• Previous or current elected appointed office: Current Chester Board Of Education member

Why are you seeking to run for School Board?

I am campaigning under the ‘Proven Balanced Leadership’ tagline and ask for your vote as I stand at the ready with energy, passion, and humility to serve another year on our Board of Education.

COVID-19 resulted in learning loss for many students. What will you do to ensure students bounce back?

Let’s talk to our kids about why they might struggle in certain classes, then let’s take that information back to their teachers and/or administrators. If analytics/metrics show week areas, review the methods by which subjects are taught and ask ourselves: is there a better way to this?

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

Education cannot be stagnant. It is ever-changing as our World changes. In order to stay competitive, we must remember this as we prepare to open the doors each year. We are constantly looking at our standings through the Start Strong and QSAC metrics. We adapt to new technology as it appears, so we will always be on the ‘cutting edge’. We stay competitive through achievements like ‘Schools to Watch’, which inherently asks us to continue to evolve, continue to improve. We value the role of social-emotional learning, diversity and resiliency lessons. All these things together ensure we are providing a well-rounded education for our students.

What is your view on the sex education curriculum that Gov. Murphy put forth earlier this year? What is your position on inclusion and diversity? Is the district doing enough? Not enough?

In order for K-8 education to be effective in preparing children to advance to high school, college and beyond, it must deliver a well-rounded experience. Of the topics mentioned above, and based on the very real threats posed by social-media, sex education, cyber-safety, wellness and bullying are all extremely important. Lessons should be fact-based and age-appropriate. When children are armed with facts, they are able to make more informed, beneficial decisions.

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

My architecture, design, facilities, and sales background are incredibly useful to any Board of Ed. I am also the only current BOE member running for another term, I can hit the ground running without any learning curve. I am a caring individual who has volunteered in our Community, my children's schools and various committees. Empathy and compassion for our children cannot be overvalued. I am looking out for ALL of our children.

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

We shouldn’t be electing people because they affiliate with a certain political party. We should be electing them because they are the right people for the job: they have a balanced approach, care and consider all children, respect the teachers and administration, and are willing to work with the other members to continue strengthening our great District!