Election 2024: Carol Anne Pagana For Mendham Borough School Board

MENDHAM, NJ — Election Day is nearing, and Mendham voters will soon head to the polls to cast their votes for open seats on the local school board.

Residents in the Mendhams will see choices for their K-8 school districts on the ballot, including current members running for re-election and any challengers.

There are no borough or township candidates for the West Morris Regional High School District, as those seats are not up for re-election this year.

Patch sent questionnaires to all candidates, seeking their responses. Here is the response from candidate Carol Anne Pagana.

Carol Anne Pagana

• Age: N/A
• Town of residence: Mendham Borough
• Education: BSN, RN Alfred University CSN NJ City University
• Occupation: Retired RN, CSN

What drove you to seek public office?

My husband and I have resided in the Borough for over 38 years, raised two children, both who attended Mendham Borough School’s. Serving on the Board of Education would allow me to continue to demonstrate my commitment and dedication to our schools (students, parents and educators) as well as our community. Understanding the needs of our community in this ever-changing world is key in enhancing the academic level of our student body.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?

I recently retired as the School Nurse at Hilltop Elementary School after serving 18 years.During that time, I worked closely with the Superintendent, Administrative Team, Teachers,Parents and Students on critical issues. During the Pandemic, my role as the School Nurse was key in supporting the physical, social and emotional health of the students and families in our district.

The on-going communication and collaboration with local and State Health Departments,District and Regional Nurses, School Physicians, and the Administrative Team led by the Superintendent, Dr. Mitzi Morillo were instrumental in getting the students back to “In School Learning” by August of 2020. As a result, Mendham Borough Schools were one of the first schools to reopen in the state of NJ.

In addition, I co-chaired the Staff Wellness Committee and served on the Student Wellness Committee. Having a plan in place for Staff Wellness served us well during this challenging period, which was the result of our team’s hard work.

Both committees supported the Goal of Wellness and Safety of the Mendham Borough District Strategic Plan from 2019-2024. In November 2023, I participated as a community member in helping to develop the District’s Strategic Plan that will serve as a guide for the next 5 years.

What do you see as the biggest issue facing the school board in Mendham Boro?

Mendham Borough is a vibrant and growing community. The possibility for an increase in population may lead to potential facility upgrades to meet the needs of the student population.

How much does COVID learning loss and school security impact your plans?

I plan to support and enhance the current Strategic Plan Goals specific to Wellness and safety Student Achievement. Mendham Borough was one of the first schools to reopen in the state of NJ in August of 2020. It is extremely important that student learning takes place in the classroom and that our students always feel safe and secure.

What is your favorite thing about the Boro schools?

It has been an honor and a privilege to have worked in the district for 18 years as a School Nurse. Caring for the children and interacting with the families over the years was very rewarding.Hilltop School will always be a second home to me.