Election 2023: Natasha Chandler For West Morris Regional School Board

CHESTER, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Chester voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for a seat on the regional high school board.

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

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: Natasha Chandler

Age: 52

Town of residence: Chester Township for 22 years!

Position sought: Chester Township representative for the West Morris Regional High School Board of Education

Family: My husband (Pete) and I have been married for 22 years and we have three daughters, who all went to Chester Schools since kindergarten. Victoria graduated from Mendham, where she played softball and is now a sophomore at Michigan State. Emilia graduated from the Mendham IB program and is a freshman at SMU Cox Business School in Dallas, Texas. Our youngest, Lily, is a junior at Mendham, where she is actively involved and plays field hockey and softball. They have all had a great education and experience at West Morris Mendham High School.

Education: I have two graduate degrees with a Masters in Social-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and an MBA and B.S. in Marketing from Monmouth University, where I am currently on the Board of the Business School, leading the faculty curriculum advancement committee.

Occupation: Senior Partner at Korn Ferry (Human Capital Advisory) leading the North American Industrial and Energy Sector. I advise executives of top companies on how to build and evolve top-performing organizations through people.

Previous or current elected appointed office: West Morris Regional Board of Education (since 2020) and chair of the Personnel Committee and member of the Education and Referendum Committee. I have also been actively involved on the budget and finance committees.

Why are you seeking to run for school board?

I want to ensure West Morris Regional High School District remains a top district and to do this, my focus is on student engagement, teacher effectiveness, and parent involvement. Student engagement should be at the center of everything we do to ensure our students thrive in a positive learning environment that fosters their interests and curiosity and uncovers their fullest potential.

Teacher effectiveness is the key to unlocking student potential and as Chair of the Personnel committee, I am confident that we hire, develop, and support our teachers so they can be great. PARENT INVOLVEMENT to help as advocates and partner with the school in social and educational development and to be involved in key decisions affecting their children is also important.

What, in your opinion, is the most pressing issue in the school district?

Frankly, I have been disturbed about the political and state regulatory overreach impacting our district and students. Since I have been on the board since 2020, I have been committed to following state laws while also ensuring we represent the needs of all students in the communities where we live.

There have been lots of heated board meetings across New Jersey with parents voicing strong concerns about NJ laws and their impact on districts on topics like: COVID Mask mandates, Curriculum, gender identity, parent rights, and what is appropriate reading material for high school students.

In all cases, my approach is to listen to all points of view and then make a decision based on what I think is in the best interest of students (and families in my district). Being that most of our students are children (under 18 years old), in most cases, I still have a bias that the school must consider the parents and inform and involve them in matters impacting their child.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

EXPERIENCE. I am a proven leader who has been successful in improving the West Morris Regional High School District. I have a good reputation and strong relationships with board members, administration, and the superintendent. Having served on all the board committees, I understand the issues and policies and where we need to focus to continue to evolve and remain a top district. ADVOCACY: I show up and speak up for families in Chester and deeply understand education and what skills are needed for students to be successful in the "real world." I am approachable and have parents reach out to discuss topics they are concerned about – and I listen and support them. COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP: I am very active in Chester and have been the VP of the PTO, a Girl Scout Leader, a Co-founder of the Chester Baroque Orchestra and a volunteer and donor to countless organizations. I am also a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church.

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

Proven Leadership focused on District Excellence

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

Thank you very much for reading this and for considering me. If you would like more information or to speak with me, please go to my facebook page "Natasha Chandler for WMMHS BOE"